This may be considered OT, maybe not.

I may be going out on a limb here but just had some time to do some thinking. I’m watching the funeral of the Charleston Firefighters. The New York Emerald Society is there in force as are members of fire departments across the nation. I was struck by some comparisons here that apply to our ancestors in the CW.

First the brotherhood is compact, tight, solid. Internal matters are kept internal. They live and work together. There may be competition between departments and states but they come together when needed. They are away from their families and they are in a dangerous place at times. So were our ancestors, both South and North.

After the war was over and a bit of time had passed, we’ve seen in the writings that both sides came together for reunions and memorial ceremonies. They attended funerals. They could acknowledge a soldier as a good one even if they were ‘across the lines’ from each other. There was respect for the work done. Both sides had seen the worst and the best.

After a battle/fire is over, they take a head count and go on to fight another day. The personal differences are put aside when it comes to the safety and welfare of the unit. After the war, many did try to put it behind them and go on for the welfare of their family.

We all have our difference of opinion. We have our ancestors stories and take them to heart. Most of us lost ancestors to the cesspool prisons run by the ‘other’ side. We’ve lost ancestors at battles and to disease while in the service of their ‘Country’. Some hold ‘grudges’ longer than others but today we are all Americans. No one disrespects our soldier of today. While we may disagree at times with the leaders in this nation, we do not disrespect the office or seat they hold. Confusing to explain to a non-American but we understand. We still answer the ‘fire bell’ when called. We still fight the fire as ordered. We still salute the flag with pride. Some of us also salute another flag with pride. This doesn’t make us un-American. This shows the respect for our ancestors and their struggle to try something. It didn’t work. Just maybe this made us a stronger people but it sure did keep our pride up when there was nothing material to remember or claim.

The pride of the Firefighter and Police Officer is as the pride of the Soldier. Solid and with good reason. We citizens are proud of them all. We are sorry for the loss of any. Past and present and future.

Pam