It is because of the ability and dignity he exhibited during the Civil War that Gen. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain is referred to as a "hero," but I would argue that the entirety of his life, from childhood to old age, was lived in exemplary fashion. He was, as the Curator of the Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain Museum, Julia Colvin Oehmig, says, an "ordinary American." Yet, one can find something extraordinary about every aspect of Chamberlain's life: we revere him not only because he was well-educated and intelligent, but because he realized the value of learning and dedicated his life to it; he is honorable not just for his ministry training and for teaching Sunday school, but for the glory and praise he consistently gave to God; he was a hero of the war not merely because he was an excellent leader, but also because of his unparalleled grace toward the enemy; and he forever remained a dedicated father and husband. Chamberlain, though seemingly "ordinary," is in reality a remarkable human being.
Gen Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, for his dedication to God, his country, and his fellow man, cannot be called anything less than a hero. For this, he deserves our admiration and reverence. |
