My other life

Last weekend, I participated in a reenactment of the battle of Cowpens. For those who are historically challenged, it was a battle during the Revolutionary War, won by the Americans, and was a major turning point in the war in the South. This was my fourth reenactment. The first was the Siege of Charleston last May, then Brattonsville (SC) in July, then House in the Horseshoe (near Sanford NC) in August. I'm on the side of the good guys, in the 2nd North Carolina Regiment. of the Continental Line - www.2nc.org

Reenacting is one of my hobbies; it is something I really enjoy doing. Carla has asked me several times, "what is it about reenacting that you like?" I really don't know for sure. I can't put my finger on it. It is not an activity that fits my personality or my other interests. When you break it down into its components, there are in fact several things I don't like. I'm not into camping (especially sleeping on the ground in an old-fashioned tent), I'm not into shooting or guns, and I'm not particularly interested in being in the military. I'm not the kind of person to sit around the campfire and shoot the breeze. I like my modern comforts, some peace and quiet, and my recliner. So when you examine the tangible activities involved in reenacting, it makes no sense that I would enjoy it.

Yet for some reason, I do. I think a big part of it has to do with my interest in history, especially American history. Most people in America today do not understand the sacrifices that were made to form this country, and how unique this country was in the world when it was founded. That fact that a hodge-podge army was pulled together from 13 uniquely different states and defeated the British army, which was the strongest, most well trained army in the world at that time, can only be explained by God's providence. So in reenacting, I feel that I am doing some small part to help educate people in American history, and through that give them a better appreciation for the blessings we have in this country today. I like standing on the actual battlefield where they fought, as it gives the stories that I have read a new perspective. I also enjoy the feeling of "being there", to know what it was like for the soldiers who fought so bravely. Of course, it's not exactly the same, since we don't use real bullets, and so there's no chance of actually dying. But to hear the sounds of muskets firing in unison, to hear the sound of a canon blast, to see the redcoats marching toward you with bayonets fixed in an unbroken line, to feel the pain in my legs and feet after marching for miles, to smell the smoke and taste the gun powder - these things make the experience come alive. If you haven't done it, you wouldn't understand.