Why We Remember Lt. Alonzo Cushing

I think the president summed it up beautifully.

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7 comments… add one
  • Chris Evans Nov 7, 2014 @ 16:12

    Yes, I agree. His comments were spot on and quite moving, actually.

    Heck I kind of got goosebumps when they were going through the citation and said, “First Lieutenant Cushing’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty at the cost of his own life are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Battery A, 4th U.S. Artillery, Army of the Potomac, and the United States Army.”

    I think Robert Penn Warren was right the Civil War WAS American history.

    Chris

  • TF Smith Nov 6, 2014 @ 17:45

    An honor well deserved, and I can think of no one better to present the medal.

    The Cushing family – both Lt. Cushing and Cdr. William B. “Albermarle” Cushing – deserve to be remembered as the definition of true patriotism in this nation.

    Best,

    • msb Nov 6, 2014 @ 23:51

      Well said. Talk about “the last full measure of devotion”!

  • Jack Nov 6, 2014 @ 16:54

    One doesn’t have to wonder what the impact is of giving a medal 150 years later. The timing of this was contrived to coincide with the sesquicentennial and gave our nation’s first black President a chance to comment on racial progress with more gravitas than otherwise.

  • Pat Young Nov 6, 2014 @ 13:18

    For those wondering if the Civil War Sesqui still had any legs, this is the most publicized CW event since Gettysburg 150.

  • Eric A. Jacobson Nov 6, 2014 @ 12:17

    He did indeed. Perfectly done.

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