You might wonder why I should choose a confederate general to honor here today on memorial day. I assure you this decision is not political, or racist, or meant to be controversial in any way. It is only the humility I feel when I think about all of the men and women who have sacrificed so much for this country.
Back in 2013, when I became completely obsessed with the American Civil war, the story of Albert Sydney Johnston's death in the Battle of Shiloh struck me. The circumstances of his death in the civil war are both interesting and tragic and just one of so many examples of great men lost in one of the most horrific military events this country has ever seen. Probably the the fact that strikes me most poignant in this context is that without his death, the battle of Shiloh may have had a far different outcome. Hence, his sacrifice necessary in order to secure this country's destiny.
I encourage you to read his story and to take a few moments today to remember all of the great men and women who have sacrificed so that we may carry on their legacy today.
-John
In 1837, Albert Sidney Johnston survived a duel against Texas Brigadier General Felix Huston. Unfortunately, the effects of his wound probably contributed to his death at the Battle of Shiloh in 1862. Johnston has the unfortunate distinction of being the highest ranking general – on either side – killed during the Civil War. Johnston already had an eventful military career by the time his home state seceded from the Union. He fought in the Black Hawk War, the Texas Revolution, and the Mexican-American W
