A Legacy

What thoughts whirl through my mind, when I think about where many of us have been in the last few decades with Longstreet's Corps. I used to have a fairly accurate count of how many events I have attended, but alas, those numbers are quite nebulous now. Faces, names, jokes, camp and field stories all have a way of dissipating into the fog of time; even the details of so many battles, once vivid are now relegated to the backwaters of memory.

It is sad to ruminate upon those early days, with so many comrades having passed from the stage. Some simply have decided that the hobby took up too much time and precious money. Others had to make home and work come first, putting the hobby as a secondary importance. A few, I'm sure, just tired of the rigors and sought other pursuits. More than a few have left us for an eternity that we can only wonder about. Scarcely a unit in our Corps has been spared the ravages of death in its ranks. No rank has been immune to the final rollcall.

We have now lost two former Corps commanders. General James Maupin, friend to all in our hobby left us just days ago, a victim of a heart attack. I would like to think that he is, right now sitting with General Hillsman, kicking another log onto that fire which never burns out, going over strategy, hulling peanuts, and wondering what all this fuss back on Earth is about, over him and our other comrades. He would have to admit that his was a very special gathering of friends, as funerals go. Many old soldiers were there, especially from Jim's old 44th Virginia, many seen for the first time by some of us present for the first time in many years.

Those old faces, even if some had to be asked their names, were good to see again. In speaking with one old comrade I was reminded that this must have been how it was for the boys of '61-'65, with funerals becoming all too common. It is all in God's plan though. He knows what He is doing, and we are all on that rollcall, in His own good time.

So please, friends, don't be too sad when this happens with more frequency as we all get older. Let's keep each other in our prayers and enjoy the good times and good friends God gives us, while we still can. We are not promised tomorrow, only eternity, if we are true and faithful to His calling.

And as I've said to so many over the years, I'd like to think that a merciful and kind Father will allow us to be together again, in that great camp in the sky. Until that time comes for each of us, let us be reminded of what the pastor said at General Maupin's graveside, when he admonished us to bury our hatchets and our disagreements now, while we can still embrace one another in this life, and to dedicate ourselves and our efforts to the memories of those whom we love and have loved - not bad advice at all.

But for now, let us close ranks and carry on as we have been taught as soldiers and as men. And at the end of the day's march, let us lift a glass to the memory of our friend, mentor and General, James Maupin.

We must now devote our efforts to each other, as he devoted his to us. If we can do that, I know he will be well-pleased. Rest in Peace, General, and may God bless you in your new home.

Respectfully,
Colonel Greg Gallion