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Friday, July 20, 2012

Letters from the Civil War

Writing home in times of war. . .

The American Civil War
(April 12, 1861 - April 9, 1865)

Few letters from the Civil War are more famous than that of Major Sullivan Ballou (left) of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers to his wife, Sarah. An excerpted version, with minor word modifications, was featured prominently at the conclusion of part one of Ken Burns's landmark PBS documentary "The Civil War" and touched the hearts of millions of viewers. Due to the length of the original letter, Civil War Dads also features an excerpted version but with the original wording. Read more. . .

For a poignant recitation of Major Ballou's letter, click the video link below. As you listen to the heart-rending words Sullivan left for his beloved wife, Sarah, think about the soldiers deployed or being deployed today, those who have left or will leave their families, loved ones and homes for engagement in war and protest to protect America and her freedoms. Think about those at home, as well as abroad, who defend America, her land, her country, her people. Think about all the freedoms you enjoy today that would not be available had it not been for the hope, faith and courage of our ancestors.

A moving, compassionate letter from Major Sullivan to his wife, Sarah


Grab your tissue boxes, folks, this is AMERICA!


Remember, even in times of civil war. . .
The fight was for America and America WON!

Connecting the past to the present…

“I am passionately interested in understanding how my country works. And if you want to know about this thing called the United States of America you have to know about the Civil War.”
—Ken Burns (1953–Present)

Please leave a comment. . .
I'm hungry:>)

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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 24, 2012 at 8:45 AM

    As the mother of a daughter currently serving the US Army in afghanistan, I weep for the possibility of loss. In our modern age communication is more readily available and so messages are delivered with the stroke of a key.The day a mother recieves a message on facebook indicating her daughter has been involved in an ied attack is the day communication becomes painful. She has since recovered and is back in the fight, her words were still as innocent as the 20 year old who wrote them. Her concern was for my feeling's and not her own. My hero my daughter.

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    1. UnknownJuly 24, 2012 at 11:19 AM

      I know many readers visit this site but not often enough do they leave comments. Thank you for sharing such heart-rending emotions. With no way to know who provided this posting, perhaps you will once again visit this page and know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughter. She is the heartbeat of America!

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