Camp Wildcat Reenactment '09

Kevin, Donna, and the boys were in Kentucky last weekend on another unplanned, unexpected visit. But we will take their visits whenever we can get one! Six states in less than twenty-four hours, they were exhausted and wanted to do nothing but hang out and relax on Saturday. So we ate, played Boggle, Scrabble, and I-Spy for hours, and watched Monsters vs. Aliens way too many times.

I remembered the re-enactment at Camp Wildcat was going on this weekend and I was truly hoping to get to visit as I had never been to you before and it was so close but then plans changed so I put it on the to-do list for another time. I could tell Donna was getting bored so I mentioned Camp Wildcat to her. But it was a rainy, cold day so I didn’t think much about it. Then on the spur of the moment, we decided to go – first, just us girls – then the boys, too!!




Since it was spur of the moment, we arrived just as Saturday’s battle was ending! Oops – our timing always seems to be a bit off! We got to see some of the troops, visit the mountain lookout, and see the horseman in action! A bit disappointing but okay! Or so I thought!

Later that evening, Dawson had a “moment” – the lamest day, no battle, boring – boo hoo! What to do? I had photography class early the next morning and they were heading home! Do I sacrifice my class but what if they don’t even stay? Personally, I had already been torn between the two – learning to take awesome pics or go take some awesome Kentucky pics. (Of course, the verdict is still out on Dawson’s “moment” – did he really want to watch the battle or spend a few more hours in Kentucky with his grandparents? Hmmm!)

Compromise can be a wonderful thing! Needless to say, Donna and I arrived home from class (another blog) just in time to get in the vans to head to the camp. Grandma and Grandpa even went with us! I know my brother wanted to get on the road to start the long drive home because he is just like my dad in that respect! Trips are okay but when it’s time to go home, it’s time to go! I, on the other hand (and Donna and Jeanette), want to delay the arrival at home and back to routine as long as possible!

I had no idea the re-enactment was such a huge deal. Locals and people from all over were there. I knew so many people that I was just amazed. (In case you’ve not realized, my family is not always at the top of our game when it comes to being prepared – of course, we are usually adventuring to first time events with no idea of what to expect!) So we sat on the cold ground on the front row – no chairs, no blankets, how crazy! But we got caught up in the excitement so we didn’t feel the effects…until later. I had to move on down from my family because where they sat – in every picture would have been the huge yellow rope! Come on now folks!!! I am missing photography class, I have to have something good to show for it!!!

We thought Keagan would have been scared when the cannons started booming away. But, no – Grandpa and Keagan had gotten some kettle corn and he was in popcorn heaven. (For the record, his favorite food is popcorn!) So we girls were jumping and squealing when the blasting was going on but not the boys! The Calvary came charging by with pistols blazing and swords sparing with the frontiersman. Then, the soldiers on foot – bearing flags and marching to the beat of the drummer boy (or girl, in this case). I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the south. They were bedraggled, few uniforms, fewer guns – using whatever they could find to fight for their homes, their rights, and their livelihood as they knew it at that time. They were up against big guns and trained soldiers in resplendent blue uniforms! We had a moment where we really wanted to support the south but yet oppose slavery. It’s amazing the emotions and thoughts that well up within you as you watch the battle. I could just imagine the heartache as brother fought against brother, father against son, friend against friend. Then, united at the end, tending to each other’s wounded and honoring the fallen of both side as the bugle played in the background.

The history of our nation came alive in a very dramatic way. Yes, it was fun and exciting! But it also reminded me of the sacrifices given throughout the history of our nation. Time and time again battles rage, some won, some lost, for freedom, for independence, some for ourselves, some between ourselves, and some for those of other nations who cannot fight for themselves. We are a blessed nation, once founded upon a love for God and country. But where do we find ourselves today? What kind of history are we writing today? Is it still founded on a love for God and country? Will our children and grandchildren be proud to say “I’m an American”? Truly, only God knows!

The re-enactment wrapped up with prayer and a speech by Abraham Lincoln. The boys had an opportunity to take a picture with President Lincoln and were so not even impressed. In fact, they said the whole experience was okay!!! Me, I’m still not over it! But the boys had to have their confederate caps! Evidently wearing them all the way home!

It was cool to see some of our classmates involved in the re-enactment with their own children. I think participation would make history come even more alive. Jeanette was telling me of one of the guys and I asked which side was he on? Her response – The dark side! Maybe we are the ones in need of a history lesson!

Joy 2 u! “C”