Previously Published in The Messenger
History has a profound way of presenting itself.
Sometimes, it’s obvious we’re living through it. The pandemic, the surreal 2024 election cycle, the rapid growth of technology at alarming and unprecedented rates. It’s almost too much to take in at times.
Other times, we have no idea we’re living through history. Trends, fads, music and clothing styles. Soon enough, we’re going to be looking back on the 2020s for some aspects of the culture we’ll probably miss in a few decades.
Since history has a way of hiding in plain sight, it’s simultaneously easy and difficult to forget, depending on your mindset.
Picture this: rolling green hills, an expansive, limitless sky, trees scattered across the valley, a meandering creek is dotted with colorful wildflowers.
This scene could apply to any place, but we have a specific place in mind: Adams County, Pennsylvania.
The site we’re describing is that of Gettysburg, one of the pivotal battles of the Civil War – although Vicksburg was easily more decisive, but that’s neither here nor there.
We paint this picture to say that a seemingly innocuous field was not only one of significant historical magnitude, but also that of unconscionable sacrifice.
Now look at your neighborhood. That small, weathered-looking house emblazoned with the letters “VFW” across the top of the door; the banners that line Portion Road in Lake Ronkonkoma; the village greens we all take for granted where so many have gathered for jubilant and reflective memories alike.
To the casual observer, who could possibly tell of the deep importance of each building, each stretch of grass, each little detail? It’s almost too much to take in at times.
To know that you might be walking on hallowed ground, shaking hands with someone who’s seen and experienced things we wouldn’t wish on worst enemies, or to lazily peruse a commemorative plaque; it’s hard to forget the profundity of sacrifice when you might not realize that you’re looking at it directly in the eye.
History is all around us; sacrifice invariably is as well.