Crazy Delawares
Sergeant
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2008
- Location
- South Jersey
I voted that it has waned but only in the general sense. I teach the CW in my classes and we get down into the nitty gritty. We talk about tactics and compare them to guerrilla tactics. The kids ask "Why?" This spawns discussion that goes off into so many directions that their interest soars! I come in in my uniform and talk about the everyday life of a soldier in the first person, of course. I distribute hardtack, bullets, shell fragments. I graphically describe an amputation. Whatever to get their attention on the CW and away from their technology. Many times I bring my unit in for an all day encampment. Some students will dress up (for extra credit). We go to Gettysburg Battlefield where I ask students to pick a part of the battlefield that we'll visit and do a short verbal presentation for extra credit. Those presentations are outstanding! I also reward them with a coupon to McDonalds for presenting. It is worth it to me.
After they visit LRT and Devil's Den, where I let them roam free for about 45 minutes, I like to ask them if they plan oncoming back. Almost one half of them say yes! Sometimes they come back to me later that week and tell me that they've already talked to their parents about visiting Gettysburg during the summer!
I think that maybe all we have to do is show them our passion for the CW and the kids will follow, if for no other reason than curiosity.
I know that some schools do not teach CW history very well, if at all. I've seen it first hand. I've experienced it first hand (even at the college level!!!). But we have a mandate to keep green the memory of our CW veterans. I think many or most of the folks on this site do just that. We just have to keep up the good fight and not let ignorance have its way.
Sorry to preach.
After they visit LRT and Devil's Den, where I let them roam free for about 45 minutes, I like to ask them if they plan oncoming back. Almost one half of them say yes! Sometimes they come back to me later that week and tell me that they've already talked to their parents about visiting Gettysburg during the summer!
I think that maybe all we have to do is show them our passion for the CW and the kids will follow, if for no other reason than curiosity.
I know that some schools do not teach CW history very well, if at all. I've seen it first hand. I've experienced it first hand (even at the college level!!!). But we have a mandate to keep green the memory of our CW veterans. I think many or most of the folks on this site do just that. We just have to keep up the good fight and not let ignorance have its way.
Sorry to preach.