America's Greatest Answer

The Field of Surrender for the Army of N, VA

The Only Answer:  Honor

Of course we know Appomattox, VA as the place where Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to begin the ending of the Civil War.  We have that story down pat right to the bricks of Appomattox Courthouse where it happened.  But do we know the real story and one of the most deeply moving scene from American History?

On this small stretch of land, there is a historical marker which details the surrender of the actual army and the honor bestowed on them by Gen. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain of 20th Maine fame at Gettysburg.  Read it!

On April 12, 1865, Union Brig. Gen. Joshua Chamberlain watched the distant ridge as the Confederates prepared for the surrender. They formed into column, marched into the valley, then up the Richmond-Lynchburg Stage Road toward the village. As the column approached this knoll, Chamberlain ordered his men to honor them. The Federals snapped to “carry arms” – the “marching salute.”

A surprised Maj. Gen. John B. Gordon instantly ordered his men to return the salute. Until now, the drama at Appomattox had been played out by major figures. But here was a profound expression of respect by the armies’ common soldiers. They, more than anyone else, would blaze the path to reconciliation in the years that followed.

Gen Gordon on left--Gen. Chamberlain on right

In his memoirs, Chamberlain recorded that "these were Americans surrendering and it needed to be done with dignity."  Historians squabble over whether Chamberlain was ordered to do so by Grant or if he just did it spontaneously.  For those who know the true spirit  of Chamberlain--it was true to his patriot blood.

Just my opinions....And where exactly is that spirit in American politics?  In the halls of Congress?  Between the President and his opposition?  I often wonder if the tie that binds no longer holds us together under the same flag until we are attacked or suffer natural disaster.