A couple of Fridays ago, Don Hinton, Executive Director of the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) came and spoke to the Clinton Civitan Club about what MHSAA does in coordination with our schools around the state. While there, he talked about how civility is becoming lost in America today. He read to us three paragraphs on civility from the book, A Tender Warrior, by Lt. Gen. Hal Moore.
The following are the three paragraphs that Don Hinton shared with us from A Tender Warrior :
An unequalled pledge of sacred honor took place on April 9, 1865. Before General Lee surrendered his whole Army to General Grant, all communications between the two leaders leading up to the surrender ended with, "Your obedient servent." It was a closing used by many great Amercan leaders and presidents. But somehow, it became less important to emphasize civility in communications as America became more sophisticated and technology rooted...
As Lee rode "Traveler" to surrender to Grant at Appomattox, Grant formed his Union troops in two lines. They stood with their swords at attention as Lee, with great dignity, progressed the final yards to the farmhouse, riding between the "formed lines of respect." With the slow, high-lifting discipline of each hoof, leader was preparing to meet leader at his and America's best-- in the worst of times.
During the surrender, a personal moment of appreciated civility occurred. General Lee removed his sword and handed it to General Grant, and Grant handed it back. After the surrender, as General Lee mounted his horse to depart, General Grant stepped down from the porch, and moving toward Lee, saluted him by raising his hat. All officers present followed him in this act of civility, compassion and honor. Lee raised his hat respectfully, and rode off in great dignity... loving America still.
Going into the Republican and Democratic conventions and the final weeks of a bitter presidential campaign, it would be nice for our leaders and their followers to find the civility that was held by Lee and Grant.
An unequalled pledge of sacred honor took place on April 9, 1865. Before General Lee surrendered his whole Army to General Grant, all communications between the two leaders leading up to the surrender ended with, "Your obedient servent." It was a closing used by many great Amercan leaders and presidents. But somehow, it became less important to emphasize civility in communications as America became more sophisticated and technology rooted...
As Lee rode "Traveler" to surrender to Grant at Appomattox, Grant formed his Union troops in two lines. They stood with their swords at attention as Lee, with great dignity, progressed the final yards to the farmhouse, riding between the "formed lines of respect." With the slow, high-lifting discipline of each hoof, leader was preparing to meet leader at his and America's best-- in the worst of times.
During the surrender, a personal moment of appreciated civility occurred. General Lee removed his sword and handed it to General Grant, and Grant handed it back. After the surrender, as General Lee mounted his horse to depart, General Grant stepped down from the porch, and moving toward Lee, saluted him by raising his hat. All officers present followed him in this act of civility, compassion and honor. Lee raised his hat respectfully, and rode off in great dignity... loving America still.
Going into the Republican and Democratic conventions and the final weeks of a bitter presidential campaign, it would be nice for our leaders and their followers to find the civility that was held by Lee and Grant.
