Sunday, July 18, 2010

Calm before the storm





The Massachusetts 54th held a re-enactment Friday of the battle of Battery Wagner on the island. Last year we attended the ceremony which was quite moving.

While we didn't get here in time for the ceremony this year, we did look at the wreath that was placed in memory of those soldiers who died in the battle. The 54th was a group of black men who bravely fought to take the Confederate battery that was firing on Union ships and other Union troops near the mouth of the harbor.

If you saw the movie Glory then you know that the fate of the 54th was death. They were slaughtered here. That is one if the reasons that I have such respect for this place. It is hallowed ground.



Many years after the "Wawah" as it is spoken of locally, the bones of the dead continued to be unearthed by erosion. Now much of the island has washed away and taken with it the bricks, mortar and bones. Now it is a place where revelers come to play and party during the day, most probably not mindful of what occurred here.

But when sunset comes, they pack up their picnics, beer cans, games, and kids to head home. That's when we are the only ones left on the island. It is a feeling of solitude and much gratitude to be at this place where the birds soar, the dolphins roam and the sea oats sway. The people who leave miss the best part of the day i think.

The sun setting on the desolate beach is my favorite time. No need to say much because we both know no words are needed. I can't help but wonder what final sunset those soldiers watched before battle. What were their thoughts? I suppose they thought of their loved ones. I hope there was some calm in their hearts and minds before the fateful orders were given.


We took the dinghy back to the boat, had dinner and then went to sleep. Around 11 PM, I awoke to howling winds. A severe thunderstorm warning had come up, with possible winds of 50-60 mph. So I took the boom tent down, put the jib in its sailbag and waited for the storm which never came. There was a lot of lightening in the distance and dark clouds around but the really heavy wind and rain skirted the island.

I drifted off to sleep eventually thinking of the soldiers whose dead eyes looked heavenward so many years ago.

16 comments:

  1. A beautiful and moving tribute, Syd, to the nature of human struggles and that Nature that endures long after the dead are buried....

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  2. This is a beautiful tribute and really amazing post, thank you Syd.

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  3. Sounds lovely and bittersweet.

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  4. Very beautiful. I remember standing in the quiet morning at Gettysburg, and it was so difficult to picture those green rolling hills full of death and blood. I do remember a quote that hung on the wall in my high school history class "those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it" which applies to all areas of life. Glad the storm went around you....

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  5. wow. incredible post syd...i wonder what they were thinking that last day as the sun went down...stirring to think about...

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  6. The ground is full of bones, I think. Another reason to always be respectful of the earth.

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  7. Beautifully haunting. I think so many forget to be mindful of the passing of a life/lives. Perhaps in fear of how short theirs may seem.

    Those men died a noble death - if anything can be found noble about death. (Hugs)Indigo

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  8. Thank you for the tribute, Syd . . . I'm sure those men appreciate your respect . . .

    - Marie (Coming Out of the Trees)

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  9. You live in a place rich in history Syd. And in beauty.

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  10. You took me back to that spot long ago when the battle was raging and men were dying as well as putting me there right at this moment.

    Beautiful writing.

    PG

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  11. What a nice tribute, Syd. I loved the picture of the wreath and your dog.

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  12. Thank you for all the comments, Syd. Hope you have a good week ahead. ~T~

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  13. There have been many brave men and women throughout this country's history. The fact that you live so near a place of factual bravery must be a bonus. You live in an awesome place. It is nice to know how much it means to you personally.

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  14. What a wodnerful post Syd...

    History fascinates me and I love to be in historically significant places and just reflect on what it must've been like when...

    Thank you for sharing this!

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