My weekend ride continued on Sunday morning and the route that I chose took me through Appomattox Courthouse.
You will most likely recognize the name Appomattox as the site of Lee’s surrender, effectively ending the Civil War.
It was quiet that morning, and all I heard were the birds singing and the leaves rustling in the breeze.
I could not help but think about the 620,000 souls who died during that terrible time when our country was so divided.
The peace that morning was such a contrast to the violence that was seen in those fields.
A solemn walk through this small confederate cemetery revealed the story of a soldier who joined the army on day one of the war, April 12th, 1861, and after serving for 1,458 days, was killed on the last day of the war, April 9, 1865.
Standing there that day, I could not help but think about how divided our nation is now, and how desperately we need a leader who will unite us.
Somehow we must learn the lessons of past tragedy and move beyond the divisiveness.
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
Excellent post and images Laurie 😀 The civil war is over? Some people didn’t get the memo !
Sadly, your comment is so on point
You could almost feel the same static in the air that blew over 150 years ago, right?
Yes, that is all I could think of
Beautiful and moving.
Thank you, Cindy
Sometimes it feels like we are headed for another civil war. Beautiful pictures.
That is all I could think of that morning
Such sound philosophy, Laurie. Your soothing photographs contrast so well with the turmoil then and now
Derrick, it was with sadness that I felt the “now turmoil” as i stood there.
These are photos of sacred ground. How can we still be so divided?
Kerry, I just don’t know. Well, I do know. We, as a country, have always had differences. To our devastation, 45 is elevating those differences to a whole new level
Amazing place to get excercise in while taking in some history.
It’s hard not to feel despair, Laurie. Thank you for continuing to fight for what is right and good and fair. I feel like such a slouch when I read your posts.
I have to echo Joe’s comment. I can’t help but think you still are in the middle of a civil war. Your divisions have never been resolved, and as you mentioned, they are being amplified now 😕
a poignant rending . . .
please run for president! I’d vote for you!!!