Kids, John, and I went to our first ever Civil War Reenactment.  It was at Genesee Country Village & Museum.  It was tremendous.  I loved talking to the reenactors.  I am fascinated by this living American history museum, in general, and this war-time event was amazing. 

I’d love to go by myself someday!  I have so many questions and love where the answers lead other questions.  The kids get tired after about my 12th question, however, and I have to move on. 

We saw two battles.  The first took THROUGH the village.  We had staked out a spot near the end.  The Union won the first battle.  The second battle took place in the southern field and included cannon ball and cavalry.  The Confederates won that round.

My camera was left on all night and the battery was dead.  Thankfully, Stewart had a charged battery.  He served as cameraman for our outing.

He mostly took video. 

I had to tell the kids at one point, as we entered the Confederate camp, to hold onto their questions a few minutes.  Seriously.  I firmly believe some people still think the wrong side won the war.  I overheard one Confederate reenactor saying, “I really sympathize with the southern concerns.”  Really?  Okay.  I understand that it was really about “States Rights,” and not slavery.  But come on – the right they were most concerned about losing was their right to own slaves.  Their whole way of life was threatened.  Personally – I do wish states had more autonomy.  But it took a courageous President and thousands and thousands of courageous men and their families to stand up for the defenseless. 

Hmmm – that sounds a lot like another war we ought to be fighting.  Imagine if we went to war to protect the unborn.  I wonder if as many families would make a sacrifice for that.  I think that is another post.