----- Original Message -----
From: Deane <[log in to unmask]>
To: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history
<[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 4:25 PM
Subject: Hampton (Virginia) National Cemetary: 757.723.7104



1.Regarding this touchy subject of re-writing history to fit the current
mode of how people thought and should think, I quote from this week's issue
of TIME MAGAZINE's article on "Home Schooling. Is it bad for America?"
On page 48 of the article,  the writer states: "Thomas Jefferson and the
other early American crusaders for public education believed (public)
schools would help sustain democracy by bringing everyone together to share
values and learn (a) common history."

This is what seems to have been happening over the past few
decades......students at all levels of American education have been taught
to look at a certain aspect of American history, particularly
the ante-bellum South and the Civil War, as living a way of life that was
tantamount to Nazi Germany. We have been taught a "common history" that may
not be all that correct.
I think that it behooves all of us to read and read and read, everything we
can get our hands on and, thereby, try to find out what really went on in
the minds of people who lived then.
I will never defend the practice of slavery. Slavery was reprehensible
enough without folks today having to change historical thought and rewrite
the truth in order to make sure that slavery remains
condemned.
The men on the CSS Hunley were heroes. They fought to defend their country.
What subsequent generations have not been taught is that until after the
Civil War, people saw themselves as "Virginians"; "North Carolinians";
"South Carolinians"; "Georgians".
Not until after Appomatox, did we become "Americans."
2. As a life long Tidewater Virginian, I have heard the stories all my life
of the U-Boats that sniffed around our coasts during WWII.
We have known for about 25 years that there were German soldiers who had
been found dead on the beaches during the war when their U-Boat
malfunctioned and they all drowned as they were trying to get to shore.
These men were found dressed in American style clothing , made with American
clothing manufacturers' labels sewn inside them, and were carrying all kinds
of sophisticatedly created identification documents, such as American
passports, driver's licences, etc.
Yes, they are buried in the Hampton National Cemetary and you may call the
cemetary at 757.723.7104.
A nice lady there named Gloria will take your name and address and send you
information about the German soldiers who are buried there, if you ask.
Deane Ferguson Mills
York County Virginia

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