It is said that the soul of an army lingers in its battle flags, long after those who followed them have gone to their graves. This morning, as we watched the banner of the 5th Alabama Battalion being carried once more onto the field where it had last flown in battle, the spirit of the Army of Northern Virginia returned to Gettysburg for the first time in one hundred and forty-six years. This time it was received not with bullets, or even applause, but with a quiet realization that during this interval of time we Americans have finally and truly become one people, not by force of arms, not by dictate of law, but by choice. The experience took on an almost mystic quality, one that left many of us searching for a deeper meaning in what we had just seen.

This singular event would never have taken place without our efforts. Together, we  made this happen.  By “we,” I mean not just those who conceived the Artists Preservation Group and worked so hard to make the show a success, but all of us — exhibitors, auction donors and buyers, speakers, vendors, and dozens of volunteers who worked the registration desk and performed countless other tasks. 

This weekend our hobby took its first step in a new direction. For the first time, we as a group are looking beyond our private little creations toward a broader, more generous purpose. By the simple act of attending this show and supporting its goal, each of us became part of something larger than ourselves. It was a truly extraordinary occasion, so much so that in years to come we “happy few” will still recall with wonder that special moment on the field of Gettysburg, while others can but count themselves accursed that they were not there with us, upon St  Crispin’s Day.

Shep Paine
Gettysburg
Aug 9 2009