Memorial Day. Remembering fallen soldiers.

The year was 1861 and the Nation was in crisis.  The Southern states were screaming about Lincoln being elected, state rights,   worried about expanding slavery, and saving their "right" to have slaves.  In Feb of 1861 several southern states, South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas  seceded from the Union and created the Confederate States of America.  By the time the Southern States declared war and fired on Fort Sumter in April of 1861, 4 more southern states were ready to join the Confederacy and did so, those states were Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

My 3 times great grandfather, Denton Adams, and many of his family were living in Freeburg, Ohio.  In July, his daughter, my 2 times great grandmother Laura was born.  I am sure it was a time of worry and fear, because you see, Denton and family were mulattos.  They still had family living in the South.  Many family members were living in Pennsylvania, but some had moved to what would become West Virginia, but was still part of Virginia, some had moved to Texas, and some were moving through other southern states.

As the year rolled over into 1862, many men joined the Union Forces.  Uncle Jasper, Grandfather's brother joined up along with several of his cousins, brother-in-laws, and Grandfather himself.  On September 10, 1862 Grandfather was mustered into the Ohio 122 Infantry.

The War was bloody and families across the nation were divided.  Many had members fighting in both the Confederacy and Union troops.  At some point Uncle Jasper was wounded and taken prisoner.  Then at the Battle of the Wilderness in May 1864, Grandfather was wounded and captured.
Both of them were held deep in the South at Andersonville Prison Camp in Georgia.  I can't even imagine the horror that these 2 black men had at being kept there.  The conditions at Andersonville were horrible.  Eventually both Grandfather Denton and Uncle Jasper died from their wounds.

I'd like to remember them and all of not only my other relatives who have died to keep this nation free, but all of our fallen warriors who gave their lives for this nation.

Because you see, much like the atmosphere of these times, we are once again a nation divided into 2 camps, with Republican politicians and others with their own agendas stroking tempers by telling lies and pushing propaganda.   But one thing I can assure you, the South will NOT rise again.

Surviving in interesting times. Or 2020 is not a good year.

Oh these are interesting times we live in my friends.  Pandemics, stress from the pandemic, stress from those who are aren't worried about saving lives but only worried about their own agendas.  In other words we have to deal with idiots, twits and sociopaths also.  Financial concerns, recessions and the list could go on. 

On Mother's Day I had another heart attack.  But survived to fight another day.  We all have to take care of ourselves and survive so that we can fight the good fight.  Because my friends, the survival of this planet and it's lifeforms depends on us.  Don't worry about convincing the twits, idiots and nutters, if at this point they are still living in an alternate reality, let them.  Just protect yourself and stay safe.  I know we are all getting overwhelmed with all the chaos running amok.

Me I am going to survive this year, and I hope all of you do also. Take care and stay safe!