Archived Story
Civil War anniversary key to region
Published 9:32am Friday, July 13, 2012Bob Leith, a history professor at Ohio University Southern, is a walking, talking wealth of information about our past and he has more knowledge about the Civil War than any textbook.
So it makes perfect sense that he would help lead an effort to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the war that truly shaped our nation.
After seeing a variety of other communities in our region do a better job of marking the anniversary of the war, Leith began an effort for Lawrence County to do something to increase community awareness and showcase the region’s unique role in the war.
The teacher is now working with the Lawrence County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce to come up with a variety of ideas that could get the entire community involved over the next two to three years.
A planning session will be hosted at noon, July 18 at the chamber office in South Point. Non-profit organizations, civic groups and interested citizens who want to get involved are welcome to attend. Anyone interested should RSVP by Monday afternoon at (740)377-4550 or viviane@ledcorp.org.
It goes without saying that the Civil War was a pivotal point in our nation’s history and it is important that we understand how these events helped shape our region today.
Commemorating the anniversary of the war is not about living in the past but instead can be a way to celebrate our heritage, increase tourism and promote community involvement.
Those are all important components and Leith is the right person to help do just that.
Michael Caldwell; As a second interesting PS: In that time period, Anti-Catholicism was the rule of the day (due to ignorance). I was and am, a Roman Catholic. I was looked upon with suspicion. Discrimination takes many forms and is inbred in many cases. Is our modern society any more enlightened? 0r, are we still in the depths of ignorance?
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Michael Caldwell; As an interesting PS: I dated one of Bob Leith’s sisters fifty five years ago. She was my first love. A great family! Bob’s mother was an RN, she was a grand lady.
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Michael Caldwell; I find it interesting this article was buried so quickly.
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Poor Richard; You can rest assured, there will be no response. The reason being, there is no credible response in denying participation of Confederate groups in the Memorial Day Parade. St. Augustine, Fl., oldest continuously occupied settlement in the U.S. founded 1565. Jamestown, Virginia founded 1607. Williamsburg, Virginia founded 1632. Yorktown, Virginia founded 1682. All Southern (American, Confederate) cities. To put this in perspective, Plymouth, Massachusetts founded 1620 (American, Federal). Poor Richard, the reason I am rather passionate about this issue is because I had ancestors who died fighting with the 7th & 4th Virginia Infantry Regiments. David Akers died at Gettysburg in Pickett’s charge. Their predecessors fought in the Revolutionary War. I think they are worthy of the respect due to all Americans who died fighting for what they believed in. We have learned from our mistakes (hopefully). This is where are strength should lie.
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Interesting question, mickakers, I look forward to the response!
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I have a question for Bob Leith; Bob, do you know the reasoning behind not allowing Confederate groups to participate in the Memorial Day Parade? Jefferson Davis graduated from West Point, served in the Mexican-American War as a Colonel in a Volunteer Regiment, served as U.S. Secretary Of War under Franklin Pierce and was a U.S. Senator from the state of Mississippi. I present Jefferson Davis as an example of Americanism. The Confederate Generals serving in the field had prior distinguished service in the Federal Military. Robert E. Lee is one of the most admired men in American History. Those who died in Pickett’s Charge were Americans dieing for what they believed in. I feel they are worthy of remembrance, irregardless of political belief.
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