Volume 4-202nd Edition 11-02-11

                                                                        The Wall

We’re standing at the wall, when we heard their spirits call. Whatever happened to our fame? We never left this place, for we would not be disgraced, there were no medals for our slain. A defiant battle cry they held their colors high as faithful soldiers here they held. Upon the sacred ground they laid their brothers down as fateful soldiers they fell.

These are the words of a song that have been rolling around in my head for several days. They have filled my thoughts even in the night as I try for hours to rest; looking at a clock that seems to forever be stuck in slow motion. These names keep haunting the inner folds of my mind as I ponder, “What can we possibly do to convince the powers that are, to do the right thing. The spirits of these 206 men and boy scream from their graves. “Did our sacrifice mean so little?” “Do these people think so little of us as to never mention our names aloud in the open air of time.” It is altogether fitting and proper that we celebrate these men and boy’s lives with a stand wall. Their names should be engraved on a single wall, standing upright for all to see. If it is lying down horizontally, it becomes a floor for children to stand or play on; or for some unthinking adult to sit on. This is unthinkable, unreasonable and unacceptable.

As Election Day approaches us, keep in mind what has transpired of the last few weeks. Words have meaning. Words have consequences. Our own words, spoken loosely, without thought, sometimes comes back to bite us in the gluteus maximus.

I have used the words of men from the centuries past to describe some of my thoughts, only they have so eloquently said them and much better than my meager attempt. Here are several of my favorites.

Quote: Men must be decided on what they will not do; then they are able to act with vigor in what they ought to do. Mencius from “Maxins.”

Quote: He that judges without informing himself to the utmost that he is capable, cannot acquit himself of judging amiss. Locke on “Human Understanding.”

Quote: Cruel and cold is the judgment of man, Cruel as winter, and cold as snow; But by and by will the dead and the plan, Be judged by the motives that lieth below. Lewis J. Bates from “By and By.”

Quote: We shall be judged, not by what we might have been, but by what we have been. Sewell from “Passing Thoughts.”

Quote: Oh, judgment thou art fled to brutish beasts, and men have lost their reason. Julius Caesar,  Act III.

Quote: The virtue of justice consists in moderation as regulated by wisdom. Aristotle

Quote: Decide not rashly. The decision made can never be recalled. The gods implore not, Plead not, solicit not, they can offer Choices and occasion, which once being passed, Return no more. Dost thou accept the gift? Longfellow from “The Tower of Prometheus.”

This is my position, and as Ramses III once said, “So let it be written, so let it be done.” This isn’t the only site available. Plans are always subject to change, even when we don’t really want too.

P.S. I’ve decided personally not to vote next Tuesday for at least three of the commissioner candidates, but instead, write myself in as a write-in candidate. All our supporters can do as they wish…

                                                                          Integrity

This noun is the moral uprightness of man. It gives us completeness and unity. This past week I recorded a program and watched it to see if I could learn anything from it content. Body language and more importantly facial expressions was the subject. Did you know there are seven micro-expressions that every man, woman and child can’t escape? We humans are inherently programmed with these expressions and whether you are black or white, male or female, European, Oriental, Asian, African, Anglo or Indian, you can’t change those expressions. They tell us whether a person is showing (1) anger (2) contempt (3) disgust (4) fear (5) happiness (6) sadness and finally (7) surprise. The first three expressions occur when someone is trying to suppress or repress an emotion. The other four expressions reveal our joys and sorrows. According to the program you have no control of them as they occur. The entire program reminded me of the TV show, “Lie to Me.” The expert consultant for the show could determine the truth on any given matter, within seconds. You can say one thing, but your face says something else totally different. It is quite an interesting science.

                                                                          Donations

This week, I’m pleased to announce that we have raised $1,100 toward the memorial wall. The support just keeps coming. We received a $1,000 check from an anonymous supporter at the Historical Societies fall banquet. Whoever you are “Thank You.” from the all the JCRA committee. “God Bless You.” Also, Gayle Arbogast of Century 21 sent us a $100 check. We will never be able to express the extent of our gratitude to those folks who whole heartily support our effort. Keep the support coming. Make checks payable to JCRA.

As announced last week, we are planning a “Christmas Fashion Show.” It will feature men, women and children dress and clothing of the 1860’s. A Church Building is the perfect spot to celebrate the holiday. Come support the show. It’ll be a free event, however we will be accepting donation from anyone willing to support us. It will be held December 3rd at the Messiah Lutheran Church. More details will be forth coming soon.

                                                                        150 Years Ago

The re-enactment of the “Battle of Balls Bluff” was the weekend of October 21-23 at Leesburg ,Virginia. Friend and fellow living historian Sam Leister and other from his “Bucktail” unit attended the first ever 150th anniversary of the actual event. Sam was telling me how grueling the marches were; two miles each direction. They formed up at 8:30am and didn’t return to camp till nearly 5:30pm. That my friends, is a long day of drilling and fighting. The truly exciting part of the event is that very rarely do we as historians actually get to re-enact an event where it actually happened. I surely envy Sam and his experience in history.

After Ball’s Bluff all becomes quiet here in the northeast for a while. All the fighting is now happening in Missouri, Kentucky and Oklahoma; but it’s not all Yank vs. Rebel. The rebels are finding themselves fighting the Native American element in the Oklahoma Territory.

Donald E. Husler Jr. 968 Airport  Drive, Mifflintown Pa. 17059-8414

                                   (h) 436-8678          © 979-8678

                                                       Volume 4-201st Edition 10-26-11

                                                                    Courageous

Going to see a movie on a dreary day is relaxing and an adventure at the same time. I love historically correct show or maybe an intense action movie with one of my favorite actors. The trailer for a movie for the most part depicts what the plot will follow. Cath will sometimes go along and watch the movie, but usually she welcomes the opportunity to just do her thing and roam the mall. She rests when she needs to and generally enjoys the freedom and independence to do what she wants to. We have been to several movies that have touched heart strings and brought the occasional tear to our eyes. This is what I call a great movie. When a movies writers and producers have the ability to tug on that inner emotion, it makes you feel something wonderful or terribly sad.

Recently, Jason and his lovely wife Donna went to see one of the movies that was on my “Must See List.” Jas is our eldest son and much more level headed than I am. He is a reflection of what I wish I could have been or rather should have been. I believe that he will be an amazingly wonderful father to the baby we are all anxiously awaiting for this coming spring. I’ve ask you all to keep them in your prayers for their new arrival, please pray without ceasing.

I tell you all this, because my son invited me to go along with him to see the recently released movie entitled “Courageous.” From the get go, I want to say, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters this is wonderful guide to what could be good about families in America and around the world for that matter. God intended for all children to have a Father and a Mother. But parenthood doesn’t come with an instruction manual and even if it did, would we actually read it anyway. We try to emulate what we have seen our parents show us or do the opposite. We even do our own experimenting with what we humans believe is our better options. Many times we fall flat on our faces and have to live with the consequences of our own thoughts and wrong decisions.

“Courageous” the title already gives you an idea about where the plot is going. It takes the courage of a lion to face this world and the wisdom of an owl to direct our flight through it as well. Scholars will tell you that we must be book smart, but I now understand and personally believe we need to be the “Word Smart.”  When we know what is expected of us, then we can and will be given the courage to follow through to do the right things in our life time.

Rarely do motion pictures have an emotional connection as this movie did to me. It was an indictment on what is wrong with our families. I don’t want to tell very much about the movie, other than to say it has changed my outlook on the important aspects of what fathers should be toward their sons. My regret is that the teaching points in movies like this are far too rare and far too few. However when they are presented to us in the form that this movie portrays, they can hit you very hard between the eyes and jerk you back to the realities that we as individual families must face. For me now, I have done, what I have done. There is no taking any of that history back. I can only now support and be the best Grandpa, “Pap” I can possibly be to any grandchildren that God blesses us with.

As for the movie, again I say, “If you haven’t seen it yet, try to.” It’ll be the best couple hours you can spend together as father and son. You may learn what your true priorities are.

                                                                Cedar Creek 2011

I’ll be sixty in the spring and sometimes I really feel it. This weekend we did the 147th anniversary of the “Battle of Cedar Creek.” The weather was sunny and warm, with a brisk wind. We had a light rain shower about 2:00am Saturday morning. I know this because I’m a very light sleeper and every little change in background alerts me. When we awoke Saturday morning for 7:00am roll-call and morning report, our pioneer reported that he had gotten up and covered the wood pile and was being hit by tiny drop of sleet. At 10:00am we do morning parade followed by orders for the day. However, this day also included a report that one of our follow re-enactors had died during the night. We don’t know all the circumstances surrounding this 51 year old artillery man, but are still saddened by his passing. Even though I didn’t know the man personally we are still affected by the event and we remembered him with a ceremony that the soldiers did back then. It’s call “Mourn Arms.” What we do is to slowly rotate our rifle from the shoulder arms position, place the end of the barrel on the end of your shoe and place left hand over the butt plate of the rifle, right hand over left, then place your chin on your right hand in a prayerful manner for a brief time of mourning your loss.

This has prompted me to realize that when we do the Memorial Day next spring. We will enter the Westminster Presbyterian Cemetery with the proper order of arms. We will “Mourn Arms” and “Stand on Arms.” It is the way we should have been doing it, and for that I apologize.

                                                                        150 Years Ago         

The land “Battle of Ball’s Bluff” near Leesburg, Virginia occurs on the 21st of October. Union forces lose over 900 men in a badly coordinated attempt to cross the Potomac River at Harrison’s Island. Also this week ‘The Battle of Camp Wildcat” in Kentucky. “The Battle of Fredericktown, “Missouri and “The Battle of Springfield,” Missouri on the 25th 1861. Juniata County has no casualties during any of these battles.

                                                                          New Donor

Last week I thanked Commissioner Dale Shelley for his support in trying to convince the other board members that placement of a permanent memorial wall was the right thing to do. This week he supported us with a $100.00 gift. “Thank You!” again Dale.

Watch in the next couple weeks for an announcement about a holiday fashion show that we are planning; the time and location to be determined. The community has supported the “Christmas Home Tour” and we’re hoping these same ladies and gentlemen will enjoy our version by show you an 1860’s home town Christmas.

If you are able, Please make check payable to the JCRA and address it to me at 968 Airport Drive Mifflintown, Pa. This is an income tax deduction as we are a 501c non-profit corporation. Thank You for your consideration…  Be safe out there and enjoy the fall foliage …

Donald E. Husler Jr. 968 Airport Drive, Mifflintown, Pa. 17059-8414

                                              

                                                            

                                                      Volume 4-200th Edition 10-19-11

                                                                     Mile Stone

This week marks the 200th article that I’ve written for this newspaper on its opinion page. For this I am very thankful. So; “Thank You” Donna, Ruth Anne, Marian and Paulette for indulging me with an avenue to vent my passions. Some have ask, “How do you come up with so many different topics?” Well, I’m a man with many interests. I love to read about different stages of our history. I’ve watched the History Channel many times about WWII, our American Revolution, our industrial revolution and the advancement of projects like the Hoover Dam, the Panama Canal and our National Park system. Until we actual understand the sacrifices of time, capital investments as well as the human toll taken or given by the men whose lives were directly affected by the condition on the ground and in the air. Folks living today CAN-NOT fully understand and appreciate what they have sacrificed that we could have this better life we experience each and every day. For this I am truly “Thankful” to them and to our God for giving them the wisdom to follow through on a wild dream.

“How the Earth was Made” has always been a fascinating program on the History Channel. However, I don’t always agree with the so-called time lines as they portray. I find it very interesting how these so-called experts on any given subject can have such different opinions on “Global Warming” and what actually causes this phenomenon. One expert will directly blame us mere humans for this mess they think we’re in. While others will be more objective and point out that our Sun, and its solar flares actually has more to do with the jet stream, and most of the just plain weird weather patterns, that have become just normal routine. I say we should be very Thankful daily for each new day and the breathe that comes with waking up each morning. After all, how many among you want us to experience another ice age. The landscape give evidence of our last one 5-7 thousand (?) years ago.

We have always been an inquisitive people, some more than others. I wish that I would have been more questioning of the events around us, when I was in high school. It certainly would have made for interesting class room discussion. I look back and at the present at some of the crap they a teaching our children today. As a living historian and re-enactor of “The War of the Great Rebellion” I wish we were able or allowed to teach our children about local and state history. It’s sad to see our children and young adults enter the world and live around here their entire life and know absolutely nothing about where they live. You ask them something, anything about local history and they shrug their shoulders and say, “I doe no.” We can and should change this locally if at all possible. But regulations are the rule, and we must continue to raise ignorant generations, year after year. It’s more important to know Malcolm “X” pulled himself up by his boot straps and became a nearly brilliant writer in his time the 60’s -70’s. Kid’s today don’t need to know that he was a murderer and a thug. History changed what never was lost by omission.

We should remember the truth about our history and pass it on to the next generation. Don’t change it for political correctness. Half truths are never a cure for what ails us.

                                                                  Rain Day Trip

A couple weeks ago Cath and I took a rain day field trip. We didn’t go all that far from home, just across the mountain to Carlisle. Our plan was to visit Meadowbrooke Gourds www.mbgourds.com

to treat ourselves to an end of summer holiday surprise. We brought a Halloween bowl to put candy in and a cat piece. This was a really cool stop. We also stopped at a couple different yard sales and an antique shop. Then we had dinner at some place that we’d never dined at. We settled on the North Hanover St. Grill. The food was wonderful and for the price too much to eat at one setting. We always carry an ice chest for our take home. So more often than not we get two meals for the price of one. We also visited Community Aid on the Carlisle Pike near Camp Hill. It’s something like our Abundant Blessing thrift shop, only much bigger. We always find something worth getting. Me, I found a couple more books to add to my library. They say you can tell a lot about a person when you look at the book he reads.

                                                                    Virginia Battlefield Tour

This year, my close friend Sgt. Tom Good and Corp. Mark Bohn, from the 148th PA Volunteers Infantry went on our second annual battlefield motorcycle ride.  We only logged about 700 miles this year, but we learned so much more about some of the places the 148th marched through and fought; it’s invaluable to us. Friday October 7th pre-dawn we’re on the road to Williamsport, Maryland then Harpers Ferry, Virginia as well as Antietam, Maryland and Balls Bluff Battle Virginia. We rode back and forth trying to hit these highlights of our first day’s journey. Ball’s Bluff on October 21st 1861, happens to be the next event to occur. It involved about 3,000 Confederate and about 1,000 Federals. It was important because of the town of Leesburg and the Potomac River crossing at Edward’s Ford. This would be used by both sides for troop movement. Colonel Edward Baker in command would get himself killed here. This year for the first time in 150 years, men from today will re-enact the events that were Ball’s Bluff Virginia and the Battle of Dranesville, Virginia where we will have our county’s first Juniatian killed in action of the war. Had I known sooner I would have passed on Cedar Creek and attended this event; two first year battles for the price of one. From here we rode through Tuscarora, Maryland also crossing the Tuscarora Creek and passing Pleasant View Road. Does that sound like close to home? We stayed a Fredrick, Maryland and the next morning October 8th we toured most of the Monocacy Battlefield. We traveled down the road next to the Wilderness Battlefield before settling for the night. The next morning October 9th, Frederickburg was on the agenda and finally finishing with Salem Baptist Church Battle and Chancellorsville for that bloody encounter. Overall we were pleased with the information NPS rangers provided. Around 2:30 we thought we should be heading back to good ole’ Pennsylvania. I arrived home about 9:45, tired but safe. We had another great ride without any incident. We got lost a couple times, but ended up looking at the map again for our bearings. Next spring we are planning another ride so the “fall season guys” can go along for this wonderful adventure. These battlefields are easily found on the internet, check them out. I could never take the full time they are worth to describe each event.

Donald E. Husler Jr. 968 Airport Drive Mifflintown, PA 17059-8414

                                   (h) 436-8678        © 979-8678

                                                          

                                                        Volume 4-199th Edition 10-12-11

                                                                Blue and Gray Reunions

On the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg a sight never seen before or since gathered on the fields just south and west of town. The fields that were once the stage for one of the largest attacks on American soil, became a campground for the aging veterans as they once again met. This time though it was a peaceful reconciliatory gesture.

Years of preparation were needed to get ready for the large number of men who were expected to respond to Pennsylvania’s call to reunite the veterans. You can only imagine the logistics involved in preparing to house and feed, what the organizers thought would be only 40,000 men. Pennsylvania with an act of the legislature May 13 1909 created the 50th Anniversary, Battle of Gettysburg Commission who would contact 46 of the 48 states to arrange for state organizations to supplied troops for the grand reunion. Each state had their own Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) or United Confederate Veterans (UCV) and each would be notified. The event would cost over $1,033,000, with PA providing the lion share of $450,000.

Even months before the event wells were being drilled to supply plenty of fresh, clean and cool water for the attendees. Latrines with running water were made available. Housing wasn’t going to be a problem. A huge tent city was erected with company streets in the fashion they were formerly used to. However wooden sidewalks in the center were built for the unsure footed. The ages of the veterans ranged from possibly 62 to 112 years.

Many other amenities were provided as well. There were hospitals and aid stations. There was a temporary Post Office. And there was a temporary morgue just in case someone would pass on while at the event, 9 veterans did. According to records the PA State Police were on hand for mainly crowd control because, besides the veterans, another 100,000 visitors were expected to be in the Gettysburg area. The crowd however was fairly well behaved with the exception of a few of the veterans who did get a little carried away with their words and a fist or two was seen flying through the air.

The veterans first arrived on the 29th of June on a special railroad spur built for the occasion. It would take the men into their camp and would be within easy walking distance of the camp. A Grand Tent that measured 200 feet wide and 450 feet long was set up and could hold 13,000 chairs at any given time. 385 Boy Scouts from the Washington D.C. area were on hand to be personal aids to some of the aged men.

On July 2nd the men from both North and South would walk a short distance toward the “Bloody Angle” the “High Water” point in which both army faced each other in mortal combat. Men from General Webb’s and General Pickett’s men would run head long into each other in hand to hand fighting. Only this time they would reach their hands across the wall and clasp hands of friendship. They would press their faces into each other’s shoulders. In the picture, you can clearly see a Second Corp-Second Division flag. These were the men of the 69th PA Irish, The Philadelphia Brigade along with the 71st and 72nd men. They locked hand in hand with friendship.

A reluctant President Woodrow Wilson at the last minute decided to attend the event gave in part this statement. “We have found one another again as brothers and comrades in arms, enemies no longer, generous friends rather, our battles long past, the quarrel forgotten, except that we shall not forget the splendid valor; A tribute to our Heroic Dead with a silent, solemn, sacred five minutes.” Then they paused for a few moments. Altogether, 53,409 men attended the 50th Anniversary event.

I must mention here that Elder Statesman, Senator, and war time General Daniel Edgar Sickles was among the attendees. As he was been pushed around the field by an aid; a minister told him it was a shame that there were no monument in his honor. Sickle’s replied, “Hell, the whole damned battlefield is my monument.” After the war his life’s goal was to have Gettysburg Battlefield made into a National Park. At the 75th Reunion the few men still able to, had their pictures taken at their regimental monuments, that were by then positioned all over the fields. This is what Sickle meant. He was 74 years old at the 50th, he would died at age 94.

As the reunion was coming to its conclusion Pennsylvania Governor John Tener invited the veterans to once again come to Gettysburg on the 75th Anniversary. You can imagine the how the already aging veteran may have laughed at such an invitation. They figured this would be their last and for most it was.

“On either side of the old line is the bravery of Gettysburg forgotten? In the end they voted for brotherhood and extreme sacrifice of friendship, to admit the Confederacy’s colors. We are glad it is so; it is an example to us and future generations.” “The tramp, tramp of marching veterans uniformed in blue and gray on the fields of Gettysburg in 1938 will reverberate far beyond the confines of that historic spot. For the first time since 1913 the survivors of the conflict between the north and south are to parade in official friendly reunion.” “The spirit of such a reunion will be the spirit of hate forgotten, of strife buried. Let Yank and Reb each shake out his old flag. It will quicken the heart of America to see them marching together, a tattered remnant of the brave young host that that once stormed the green slope of that same Gettysburg.

The official attendance figures of those could be there were 1359 men from the northern states and 486 from the southern states. The tent city this time was erected on the north end of Gettysburg on the Gettysburg College property.

Once again the men advanced and stood across from each other at the angle. This time only a handful of men were there to shake hands and fall into a final embrace. This would be the last time these 1845 men would see each other.

For those who may be interested our area had only one man who was able to accept the invitation. His name was Pvt. Israel A. Kent from McAlisterville. He was not originally from our county, but was born and raised in Noble County, Ohio. He served with the 42 Ohio Volunteers, before settling in our county. He was 100 years old when he attended the 75th reunion, but died during the winter on January 30, 1939. He would have been 101 on March 20, 1939.

Each year on Remembrance Day, November 19th this year, we celebrate their sacrifice and visit their positions on the fields and march one more time, the streets of Gettysburg.

Donald E. Husler Jr. 968 Airport Drive, Mifflintown PA 17059-8414

                                   (h) 436-8678         © 979-8678

                                                      Volume 3-152nd Edition 11-03-10

                                                             Virginia Battlefield Tour

Knock another item off on the bucket list. About two months ago several friends and I decided to take a motorcycle adventure deep into the Virginia heartland. What beautiful countryside we were about to enjoy. When I told my editor about those plans and the story line that would follow; she said in a very affectionate and somewhat envious way that she hated me. Not literally, just figuratively.

We had a basic plan of where we wanted to go, but didn’t develop the overall itinerary until the day of our departure. As time and opportunity presented itself, we did very well at achieving that goal. We left Mifflintown a little later than originally planned, but were still able to get underway around 2:00 in the afternoon. Our first destination was Harpers Ferry. We arrived just before dusk and were able to briefly check out this important cross road that was highly contested throughout the “War between the States.” Check out www.johnbrownraid.com .

Part of the purpose of this trip was to do the male bonding thing. Another part of the trip was to ride through some of the most beautiful country that Virginia had to offer. These areas were where the 148th Pennsylvania Voluntary Infantry and the “Army of the Potomac” either passed through or fought during those painful four years. This trip we were trying to cram a lot of stops into the two day ride as we could possibly find. With only a map and some keen observation we found most of what we were looking for. We eventually checked into a room about 8:30pm; then went to some red meat establishment for a very late dinner. The overall day was wonderful with lots of sun and a breeze blowing mostly at our back.

5:45am we arose to 32-34 degree temperatures, with the assurance of very unseasonably mild weather for the rest of the day. When we left the motel about 7:30 we crossed the Shenandoah River and were greeted by an amazing sight, an omen if you want to believe it that way. As we reached the center of the bridge a American Bald Eagle flew about 30 feet over our front. He was so close that I could see its eyes. We pulled onto the shoulder of the bridge to watch for its return, but we watched it as it disappeared downstream into the Potomac River. I have seen this convergence of two rivers before, but this was the most wonderful by far.

The morning air was very cold and we stopped once so I could warm my fingers up on the exhaust pipe. When we arrived at our first destination, Haymarket, the sun was shining the air getting much more friendly. We stopped at a Sheetz for a break and to ask the locals for info. We found the Haymarket has no historic markers to indicate what happened there; neither did Gainesville another area where 148th fought. We were somewhat disappointed, but proceeded to Manassas Battlefield where we saw the troop movement of that first battle major struggle of the war took place. Here we got info on the Bristoe Station Battlefield, then visited that site with more info than we would have had if we hadn’t gone to Manassas first. At Bristoe Station the 148th and the 2nd Corp were heavily engaged with Mississippi and Alabama in the afternoon till dusk. With thousands of causalities on both sides, the federal army withdrew to Centreville to lick their wounds.

Brandy Station was our next destination and here again, very little can be seen, except a few roadside markers. However, while searching for the battlefield we found something not on our schedule. We found a place called the Graffiti House. After the battle at Brandy Station as with many battles local homes were used as hospitals. This house held both federal and confederate wounded. They must have been there for quite a long period of time; because during their recovery time they found the time to leave their mark on the upstairs walls of this home. Much had been forgotten and coverd with wall paper over the years and it wasn’t until the 1990’s that the house was being torn down and the writings rediscovered. Many drawing and names have been preserved in this house that was once slated for demolition. I found out that a distant cousin, Thomas John Husler had been at Brandy Station with the 16th PA cavalry and I was asked to put his name and unit on modern wall reserved for ancestors of soldiers who fought here. What an honor to remember this soldier. I have a picture that was taken while writing down his name. All I can say is what an honor it was to have known that piece of family history. Check out this site www.brandystationfoundation.com .

Next stop was Kelly’s Ford. Here again was a place where both armies used to ford the creek. This was a time before our nation started building the bridges we now have. We got our feet wet as a tribute to the boys who actually waded in deeper waters during their crossings.

Mine Run is another battlefield that shows no sign. Here we met a kindly, talkative old gentleman who knew where some of the old breast works still existed. We followed him for a couple miles and he showed us where the battle took place. He didn’t have many details of what happened there, but told us what he could. This man I’ll call Uncle Dan was one of those characters that every community has. One interesting thing about Dan was that he was driving a very nice looking 1949 Ford F-1. Parked beside him where we first met was a Ford F-350. He told us that this pickup was his trucks great grandson. We found him to be very amusing and were glad to have met him.

The Wilderness and Spotsylvania were just down the road a few miles so we visited them until after dark. We then rode another 60 miles to Charlottesville, checking into a room about 10:30.

The next morning we wanted to be on the Skyline Drive before 9:00am. We filled up with fuel, paid the ten bucks admission and spend the next 105 miles overlooking road side vistas that were breath taking. We did very little hiking, choosing to look and drive the distance which took us over 6 ½ hours. I took several pictures from the mountain overlooking the valley, ridge and mountain tops. The most valued piece of video that was taken was filmed by a friendly stranger. This extremely nice gentleman named John Guy and his family was from Gloucester, Virginia. He overheard me saying that it would nice if we could get all three of us in a video riding down the road. Guess what? He volunteered to do it for us. We followed them to the next roadside stop. It was great.

I also wanted to mention how cool it was riding on roads that were named after our earliest presidents, Washington, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe; all good Virginians. The Constitution Highway was there as well. The low land and mountain were absolutely beautiful and the weather equally wonderful. Unspoken bond of guys with like interest, riding for long periods of time without a word, seeing the sights and breathing the cool air stirred the senses to their extreme. All this has become a memory, its price insignificant compared to what we gained from the experience. The entire adventure ridden with friends was priceless…

Donald E. Husler Jr.   968 Airport Drive, Mifflintown, PA   17059-8414

(Photo Veteran's Memorial Plaza Dedication, Sept. 14, 2012)

Thank you very much for inviting me here today, on this auspicious occasion, to reflect upon Penn State’s history and the role of military education. 
An article in the Daily Collegian during World War II began by stating, “Up in the peaceful Nittany Mountains of Central Pennsylvania, war has brought changes to the Commonwealth’s institution of higher learning…” For a few moments today I’d like to review what some of those changes have been.

The 1862 Morrill Land Grant Act, which commemorates its 150th anniversary this year, specifically states “…the endowment, support , and maintenance of at least one college where the leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics (emphasis mine), to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts…” 

Students at Penn State in 1862 actively participated in daily military drills right here on the Old Main lawn usually first thing every morning. Many of the young male students wanted to enlist in the Civil War, even though President Evan Pugh, a devout Quaker, tried to discourage them from participating until they received their degree. By the time of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, both students and faculty, were actively involved and serving their country with recognition. 

Perhaps, Penn State’s most well-known military figure from the Civil War era was none other than General James Beaver, after whom Beaver Stadium is named. Beaver, who lost part of his leg during the war, served as President of the Penn State Board of Trustees for over forty years. His loyalty and devotion to the College were unwavering. His belief in military discipline went mostly unchallenged by the students under his tutelage. 

During the Atherton Era, the most significant, and perhaps unrecognized, military-related accomplishment was the conversion of the Cadet Band to the now world-famous Penn State Blue Band. Its military background still reflected in the number of marches and drills utilized as part of its game day repertoire. 

The second major military occupation which drew focus in Penn State’s history came prior to and during the First World War as Penn State supported the Student Army Training Corps. The Corps was established as a national military training operation within the National Defense Act of 1916. SATC, (now known as ROTC), specifically educated Penn State students in the use of practical tools for warfare, such as surveying, topography, and mapmaking. Students were encouraged in training brochures to avoid “slouchiness, slovenly speech, hesitancy, and no grit.” The moral lessons they were advocated to learn in the same brochures included “wake up, take an interest, do the little things well, speak up, come to the point, heads up, shoulders back, don’t be a quitter.” Not bad advice in1917; not bad advice in 2012.

The utilization of the Armory building as both a military storehouse and training center, formerly across the Mall where Willard Building now stands, made it one of the more popular buildings on campus. In addition to the military uses, the Armory was favored for dances, balls, wrestling matches and all kinds of social and athletic gatherings. But it was not the only facility related to military education established at Penn State. Following the end of World War I, the newly created Nittany dorms were named for Penn State student veterans killed in the Great War. Their legacy lives on with every group of students who inhabit those buildings and learn about the honor and dignity of their namesakes. 

The article in the 1942 Daily Collegian that I cited above stated that “soldiers, sailors, Marines, air cadets sing in cadence as they march to class. Trim ensigns assemble almost before sun-up for marching drills…handsome fraternity houses…now serve as barracks…and all over campus…lights burn late at night so that research might speed the end of the war…” During World War II, Penn State served extensively as a center for civilian defense training. The Curtiss Wright training program was a model for aircraft education as well as the creation of newer initiatives that led to innovations such as educational TV programming, driver’s education, and chemical agents for warfare and peacetime uses. 

Post World War II was a flourishing time on campus with the benefits of the G.I. Bill especially visible across the Commonwealth at each of the campus locations. Thousands of newly returned veterans flooded Penn State to obtain a degree and expand the U.S. workforce. No single piece of educational legislation in the 20th century had a more dramatic effect on the national, regional or local economies.  The G.I. Bill, not only afforded individuals a fantastic Penn State education, it fostered the growth and development of twenty Commonwealth campuses and distributed the influence of higher education to Pennsylvania citizens in every one of its sixty-seven counties.

New defense-related activities and facilities also flourished. Penn State was the recipient of major Department of Navy funding which began in 1941 and continues to this day. The Garfield Thomas Water Tunnel, a naval hydrodynamic facility for torpedoes, was installed for research development and still operates effectively on the north side of Atherton Street. Wagner Building, named for H. Edward Wagner, a distinguished serviceman  with the 82nd Airborne, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, who died in combat in WWII, became the center for ROTC activities as Penn State grew to one of the largest military-centered campuses in the nation.

In 1989, four Penn State faculty members designed the winning entry for the creation of the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C. Don Leon, John Lucas, Veronica Burns Lucas, and Eliza Pennypacker Oberholtzer submitted a proposal that focused specifically on building a memorial that depicted the life of the soldier during the conflict. The soldiers were designed with full pack, raincoat, boots and artillery loads. 

During the Vietnam War while campus protests did occur, military education and research activities continued and Penn State was amply represented throughout the southeast conflict. Similarly during the Gulf War, Penn State graduates represented the Armed Forces with the utmost of bravery and dedication. 

Therefore it is to be expected and anticipated that the same honor and dignity were demonstrated as the United States became embroiled in Iraq and Afghanistan after the 9/11 bombings. The commitment of the individual is no better exemplified than by Penn Staters such as Lt. Michael Murphy and the other veterans recognized by this memorial.

As noted in the World War II Daily Collegian article I mentioned as I began this overview, “the mountains that surround Penn State are still peaceful and the campus looks as serene as ever, but students and professors and researchers know…” this calm is credited to the hard work and sacrifices made by our military representatives every day in every way.

Thank you very much.