Students enact the lives of past soldiers for family members. The dead are remembered from the Civil War.
By Leah Holliday
Playing the role of a soldier that has been buried for over a century, senior Devan Andrews provoked many emotions within the families of those who fought and died while fighting in the Civil War. On November 12, 2011, Blandford Cemetery held its annual luminary ceremony to honor the fallen and the history of the state. Many people participated dressing up as named and unnamed soldiers, who have been buried in the cemetery, and telling the story of that person’s life.
“The story telling was to give an idea of who the soldiers were because you see these names but you never really know what is behind the name,” junior Caleb Johnson said.
Told to the families of the soldiers, the life that they held before, during or after the war was acted out in vivid detail by each volunteer.This gave a voice to the veterans, instead of just a name and date of death.
“Everyone’s story is different,” senior Kenny Stith said. “Everyone had different experiences whether growing up during the Civil War or after. The soldiers faced many hardships. They had to deal with not being able to see their family and having basic necessities.”
The soldiers fought in horrible conditions to promote their beliefs. Recognition of the lives lost is very necessary.
The illuminating of the luminaries marked graves where names were unknown. This ceremony was held to show respect for them as well as all of the other soldiers who lost their lives for Veteran’s Day.