Memorial Day

Today we are reminded of all those who have served our country bravely since its beginning... all those who have paid the price so that we may call this the land of the free, home of the brave.  We didn't barbecue or go to the lake or any of the usual things people do on Memorial Day, but we did do something kind of interesting.  My son has a fourth grade social studies project that is due June 1st.  Appropriately enough it is a diorama of the battle of Gaines Mill from the Civil War.  We decided that since my great-great grandfather served in the Civil War and was actually at Appomattox Court House when Robert E. Lee surrendered that we would use that as a personal touch.  When we have finished it completely I will post pictures.  Even my 6-year-old is getting into the spirit. 

This is what the battle map looks like.  http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/gainesmill/maps/gainesmillmap.html

The only physical things we have left to add to the diorama are the trees, soldiers, and artillery.  I painted Boatswain Creek onto the diorama, and my 6-year-old kept telling me I make the best lakes in the world. :)

Just in case you are interested in the Civil War history, I took this picture at the Smithsonian back in April.  They are the actual chairs and table from Appomattox Court House that Robert E. Lee, and Ulysses S. Grant sat in when the surrender was signed.

This is an example of the uniform my great-great grandfather would have worn.