The Union's Last Soldier: Albert Woolson of Duluth, Minnesota-- Part 1

From the November 6, 2013, Smithsonian.com "Past Imperfect: The Last Civil War Veterans Who Lived to be Over 100...Or Did They?"

Albert Woolson loved parades and especially the annual Memorial Day parade in his local hometown of Duluth, Minnesota.  This day was celebrated all across the North.  Even the president of the United States wrote him a letter ion his birthday as he was the last surviving member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the organization of Union veterans set up after the war.

There is even a life-sized statue of him at Gettysburg Battlefield.

Deaf and often ill, he'd still be in those parades, even at the age of 109.  He especially liked visiting local schools to tell the kids his war stories.  Boys called him "Grandpa Al."

But, he could be very fussy.  His breakfast eggs had to be scrambled and the bacon crisp.  And, he continued to smoke.  He probably smoked over a thousand cigars after the age of 100 and he would have a half ounce of brandy before dinner.

--Old Secesh

Heritage Attacks Continue--

JUNE 22, 2012

The SCV was raising money to put four replica Civil War cannons in Memphis' Confederate Park.  They had already raised $72,000 and needed $3,000 more.  Of course, there was opposition from certain groups against anything Confederate and they even wanted the name of the park changed.  (Guess they got their wish last month.)

JULY 8, 2012

Las Cruces, NM, Mayor Ken Miyagishima was upset that the Las Cruces Tea Party had a float in the 4th of July parade honoring the area's history with flags.  And one of then was, you know what.  The float had a variety of different flags representing various groups.  "The Las Cruces Tea Party can believe whatever it wants, but to have that symbol and what it represents..."  Hey. Ken, guess what, Confederates once were in your town.  The guy needs to read up on his town's history.

AUGUST 24, 2012

Work on the monument to Nathan B. Forrest and Confederate soldiers in Selma, Alabama, was halted because some people were upset.

It's Time to Back Off!!  --Old Secesh