I like knowing and understanding the historic significance of a place, location or event. If you’ve followed “Meandering Passage” long you know I often post historical images and details. Much of my interest has to do with my belief an understanding of where you have come from helps in making wise decisions about where you’re going.
The town I live seems especially wrapped up in its history, perhaps almost unhealthily so — it’s hard to move forward when you’re eyes are locked onto the rear view mirror. This “Soldier and Angle” statue stands on one of the main streets near the center of town. The inscriptions on the sides of the base read:
“In memory of Rowan’s Confederate Soldiers that their heroic deeds, sublime self-sacrifice and undying devotion to duty and country may never be forgotten, 1861-1865.”
“Solders of the Confederacy fame has given you an imperishable crown. History will record your daring valor, noble sufferings and matchless achievements to the honor and glory of our land.”
The statue is beautiful but these inscriptions are open to interpretation — but one must remember it was erected in 1909. At the time of the American Civil War those Confederacy Soldiers were truly fighting for family, friends, honor and a way of life. But we know there was much more to the story and this period in our history featured much death and little honor.
Still, the war is over folks, let’s move on — take down those Confederate Flags. :-(
The statue itself was cast at the H. Luppens & Co. Foundry in Brussels, Belgium, and was featured as part of an art exhibition in Paris, France. The statue later traveled to New York when it was selected from the studio of its sculptor, Frederic Wellington Ruckstuhi, by residents of Rowan Country, NC, as the Confederate monument. At that time the statue cost $10,000.
Why do we hold on to the past, especially when those memories stir resentful emotions? Too many lives have been lost on battlefields of civil war. Pride, egos, power, money and narrow minded thinking have torn many nations as well as families apart. Those ideologies, whether religious or political, are not who we are, nor should we allow that much control over our lives that we follow those paths of destruction? What fame do we want to be remembered, for killing someone in battle or working together with one another for peace?
Monte, I don’t have the answers but I do echo the deep emotion of your questions!
The statute is beautiful but I’d much rather have a dedication to those that fought for their country rather than just the Confederacy. You’re right, it’s open to interpretation, but that’s how I interpret it. Still, the artistry is wonderful and I admire the symbolism. I love the shot, too, Earl, with the church in the background.
Ken, the inscriptions/dedications certainly bother me as well. Stuck in the past, narrow minded attitudes are not limited to the south. There are plenty of national issues we can’t seem to move beyond. Simply follow the GOP primaries for a bumper harvest of narrow mindedness, eyes to the rear.
Thanks, on the photo.
Personally, I’d rather that we forget the “memorials” altogether. As a veteran of the Vietnam war (although I was far from any combat), I’m frankly embarrassed by all the memorials and walls. It’s a war that should never have been fought. As is the case for most of our conflicts. The Revolution and World War II might be the exceptions. Sometimes you have to fight. But not often. War is simply a failure to be sane.
Certainly we should remember those who died. Just as we should remember those who died on 9/11 or during Katrina or any other catastrophic event. But remembering them for giving their lives in some “honorable, valiant” cause is a really bad idea. It’s an especially bad example for all those young people who will have to fight in the next military adventure.
No, they should be remembered for what they might have accomplished had they not perished, or who they might have become if their legs hadn’t been blown off by an IED. But we don’t seem to learn that lesson. Instead, we’ll build new monuments to our glorious deeds in Irag and Afghanistan. Even with those two nonessential wars almost behind us, and even with the memories of the horrible costs still so fresh, there is still a palpable appetite for more. The hawks among us want to bomb the crap out of Iran. And sooner or later they’ll probably get their wish. And we’ll build more memorials to their heroic deeds. Probably right in front of the nearest church.
Paul, well said. Wars are seldom waged as a last resort but usually due to some agenda. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Personally, I’d like to see less glorification of war and more emphasis on educational achievements. Too many people seem to think stupidity and ignorance are virtues.
I do like the shot with the church in the background – I have one similar that I’ll be posting in the near future…
Thanks!
John, don’t you know “everyone” wants to be discovered, achieve instant fame and be a rich star these days. All that educational achievement stuff sounds like a lot of long, hard and boring work. ;-)
We as a society have accepted being stupid and ignorant. We’ve even glorified it in some cases…take much of the Rap music these days. Sad.
I’ll be looking for your photo.
Some of the rap music? Rap music itself is an oxymoron I think.
What a beautifully composed image! I like how the sun illuminates the angels wings and sets the statue apart from the background. And the fabulous blue sky contrast the overall brown tones very well.
Thank you for the interesting and tought provoking article as well.