by John Schmidt

Created on: February 15, 2009   Last Updated: February 16, 2009

In The Name of Freedom

While traveling around the midwest, I routinely covered a lot of territory as I worked cases in a numerous out-of-the-way towns and villages. A good share of these destinations were County Seats where I spent time gathering information.I discovered many wonderful laid -back and peaceful settings and met many kind and helpful individuals along the way. One would never imagine that such charming and relaxing places existed until the opportunity to visit them on business occured.

One of the things that always sparked my interest was the old Court House Squares which are typical of the County Seat towns where I often found myself conducting investigations.I would always take the time to look them over and research the local history which usually was part a display on the grounds surrounding the local Court House, and inside the buildings as well. Along those lines, a great interest to me is the Civil War era with it's related memorabilia and other artifacts from that period in history. Usually, heavy artillery such as cannons, mortars,and various related machines of war were present as part of memorials which honored area veterans of the battle.These brave individuals courageously went off to war to defend their honor, freedom and fellow men, women and children. So many of them gave their lives for their beliefs and countrymen in that bloody war between the North and the South.

I am fortunate to have visited many such attractions which bear testimony to the stark reality of our Country's price for freedom. My visits were always thought provoking as I studied the displays and tried to imagine the pain and suffering brought on by the personal committment of many Americans represented there.

Also, I never missed a chance to explore a nimber of old Military Forts along my way.I would marvel at the artifacts and living conditions imposed on soldiers so many years ago.The primitive medical instruments and treatment methods for battle injuries generated a lot of thought as well. It is barely imaginable to us these days with modern medicine,what the combat wounded soldiers endured to survive their injuries. Giving much thought and consideration to some of the treatments, I decided that it was a much better option to get killed outright. than to tolerate marginal life saving efforts.

I made some personal notes while visiting one of these Court House Squares.I'm not sure, but I think it was over in the southeast part of Iowa , and The following verses will sum up the experiences, and my feelings.I decided to call it "In The Name Of Freedom"

In a little town, peaceful and still

I felt the sun's warm rays in the Autumn chill

Near an ancient Court House, there on the sqaure

I stared at the cannons positioned there

Memorial reminders, from a bloody war

Now resting in silence, unlike before

A list of names, all heroes indeed

Who gave their lives, for a Country in need

I paused for a bit, that I might find

The thoughts ever present, in my mind

They drifted back,to another day

Timelessly long-since gone away

Young and old, they left families here

Amidst uncertainty and endless fear

Surely they would, if standing here by me

Shed tears of joy for all to see

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