Kentucky Civil War Veterans were remembering the battle at Paducah. The two old soldiers were reliving the events that changed their lives and also affected the history of Paducah, Kentucky. Time has a way of warping memory, however facts are facts, or are they? People have a tendency to remember the up side of life rather than the disappointments. Mostly it doesn’t matter, or does it?
Two old soldiers were swapping war stories when one proclaimed; “I remember when we pushed those damn Yankees all the way across the Ohio River and up into Illinois.” The other old soldier begged to differ, replying; ” I was there, old friend and I’m afraid that wasn’t the way it happened at all. Those Yankees drove us out of Paducah and almost to the Tennessee line.” Depressed concerning the correction, the other old veteran replied; “Another good story ruined by an eyewitness.”
This tale was recounted by Vice President Alben W. Barkley, as related to him by then Paducah, Kentucky journalist and humorist, Irvin S. Cobb.
Civil War veterans had an ability to project the pleasant memories of the conflict and somehow suppress the nightmarish reality, that would haunt most for the remainder of their life.
God Bless All Veterans For Their Service and Sacrifice!
Bummer
This post makes me wish I could have been there for either the 1913 or 1938 Gettysburg reunions. Bet they were not too keen on eyewitnesses either.
Louis,
Bummer would have enjoyed attending also, just to listen to the tales these old timers could tell. True or not, it would have been a great adventure. Thanks,
Bummer