Withdrawing to Fort Donelson-Feb 9-12, 2012 - Cavalry

[Mark Choate]

Re: Withdrawing to Fort Donelson-Feb 9-12, 2012 - Cavalry

John,

You did just fine with the horse and I am sure that your "Grandpa" is pleased!!

It was great to ride with you again and thank you, again for what you and Jerry did to make it happen. It was also a pleasure to meet your lovely wife, Nicki, after the event was concluded. Thanks for bringing my "artifact" up from GA., too!!

regards,
Mark

[fortdonelsonrelics]

Re: Withdrawing to Fort Donelson-Feb 9-12, 2012 - Cavalry

I'm not sure if I had made it clear as to the significance of our arrival time to Fort Donelson, but this is what was going on just minutes before we arrived. We were going to stop at the VC before marching all the way in, but as Jerry and I were riding up, the signing had just been completed and the CWPT, FODO Admin Staff, and Reg Asst Director of the Southeast Region of the NPS were walking out as we rode / marched by.

http://www.civilwar.org/aboutus/news/news-releases/2012-news/fort-donelson-transfer.html

A fitting ending to a great day !!!

John Walsh

[Ken Knopp]

Re: Withdrawing to Fort Donelson-Feb 9-12, 2012 - Cavalry

Peter, Mark was right. I most certainly meant no dis-respect towards anyone with my comments. They were meant to be observations from a cavalryman's point of view- as limited and monolithic as it was. Sorry if it was taken that way. Mark also well encapsulated our respect for the superb manner in which the infantry conducted themselves in engagements, on the march and in camp. The leadership and the rank and file were the best there is in the hobby. Moreover, anyone and I mean anyone, that made that march under those conditions has nothing but the highest respect from me. Finally, it really went without saying it but I think I should....that our (all of us) presence, our dedication and efforts were a fitting way to commemorate the hallowed ground and honor the original participants. I was privileged and honored to be a part of it.

Ken R Knopp

[fortdonelsonrelics]

Re: Withdrawing to Fort Donelson-Feb 9-12, 2012 - Cavalry

I was proud to be there with all of you. Below is a link to a gallery with pics as we entered the fort - among others.

http://www.theleafchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=DA&Dato=20120213&Kategori=PHOTOGALLERIES&Lopenr=302130031&Ref=PH

John Walsh