Civil War Cemetary-Vicksburg

The primary reason for visiting Vicksburg, MS is as a Civil War buff/historian. I am not a Civil War expert nor do I believe that war is the answer to all conflicts between nations. However, I do have a real interest in historic cemetaries and what they tell us about those who came before. As I drove through the section of the Vicksburg city cemetary that is dedicated to the Confederate soldiers of the Civil War, I could not help but, once again, see that war is fought by the young. The causes of wars are many and at times, in retrospect, appear to be events that really proved nothing but a nations' ability to wage destruction on its enemies-both real and imagined. Regardless of the cause of war the sacrifices that are evident in these silent cemetaries should force us to reflect on the results of these wars. To the families who lose their children and loved ones the toll is overwhelming and is never forgotten. Regardless of whether it is Arlington National Cemetary, the military cemetaries found in most major cities, or the monuments to "glories past," I can not help from thinking about the lives that were never allowed to find their natural end due to conflict between warring sides. George Orwell wrote the following concerning the willingness of young men and women to defend their country: "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." I am sad for these lives lost. And, at the same time, incredibly grateful that there are those "rough men" and women who gave it all over the years. Perhaps you will say that the Civil War is not an example of this sentiment,but none the less, on this day, in this cemetary, I was keenly aware that sacrifice is sacrifice.