Go to Arts & Leisure Headlines

Un-Civil War Re-Enactment

RED CHEEK BLUFFS -- Plans poured over, battle lines drawn, permits filed and parking spaces assigned, all was ready for this weekend's Civil War re-enactment of the Battle of Gila Bend, until a small but vocal group of protestors began picketing against the presence of the Confederate Battle Flag in Poodle Island State Park.

"We don't need any racists spoiling the natural beauty of our park," declared Pistol Creek University sophomore Penelope Parsnip, who joined the demonstration with numerous other students. "Besides, a park is a peaceful natural place, not a place to glorify war with loud explosions that scare wildlife and stinky gun powder smoke that contributes to pollution and global warming."

According to Pistol Creek University History Professor Dr. Kilarny Kilkarp, the Battle of Gila Bend was a pivotal and determining draw in the war between the states, often blamed for extending the conflagration until 1865. Kilkarp said those who participate in the Civil War Re-enactments have an interest and love of history and the Civil War. They try to understand the war and share that information with the general public.

"If the David Dukes and other white supremacists want to fly the Confederate banner of secession and slavery, they should do so on private property and not on public grounds," insisted Dr. Jackson Selma Montgomery, Jr., preacher at the Southside Baptist Church and second generation local civil rights leader.

Led by Jackson, the protestors boldly marched between the Union and Confederate battle lines until they were scattered by a rebel cavalry charge as confused Union infantry men looked on, uncertain whether to defend the stampeding interlopers or help drive them out of harm's way.

"Dag nab it, just how in tarnation can you have a historically accurate representation of a civil war battle without Johnny Reb soldiers and regalia and what not," said Major Art Batch, commander of the 53rd Union Artillery Battalion of Pistol Creek. "Who we supposed to shoot our field pieces at? What's the point?"

In the fog of war and protest, eleven demonstrators and seven re-enactors were injured. In addition, four soldiers, who were reported missing in action, were later located at the Old Stone House Museum attempting to solicit the services of the Mudcat Falls Woman's Auxiliary Historical Society volunteers on duty.




©2005 MFTHPPPGT




www.mudcatfalls.com



Go to Arts & Leisure Headlines