TrackStar

"In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls. And reverent men and women from afar, and generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field, to ponder and dream; and lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls. This is the great reward of service. To live, far out and on, in the life of others; this is the mystery of the Christ,-to give life's best for such high sake that it shall be found again unto life eternal."

MAJOR GENERAL JOSHUA L. CHAMBERLAIN, US

Gen. Chamberlain was a professor in Maine when the American Civil War began. Both he and his brother, Tom, joined the United States Army to fight for what they believed was right.

Today, Gen. Chamberlain's words still hold so much truth. Every year, millions of visitors come to these fields of honor. For the most part, they are peaceful and tranquil. It's hard to imagine that anything, so horrible, could have ever happened in such a place.

Many small, otherwise sleepy towns, were turned into fields of fire. Farmer's fields were soaked in the blood of the brave. Family homes were turned into hospitals for the thousands of injured. Millions of dollars worth of damage was inflicted in cities, towns, and farms, both