Patriot Paradox

The Confederate Memorial on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, former home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The Arlington National Cemetery web site explains its presence by stating:
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Deep in the woods along the ridge of Maryland’s South Mountain rests this monument to the men of North Carolina who gave their lives during the Confederate’s first campaign into the north. Dedicated only 3 years ago, it highlights the darker sides of war often painted over by a preferred romanticism. The inscription reads:
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Old Simon, the massive forty-four foot seven inch, 250-ton center statue in the Antietam National Cemetery, honors the individual soldiers who died during this dreadful conflict. Dedicated September 17, 1880, this monument officially bears the name “The Private Soldier”. He forever stands watch over the 4,776 Union soldiers buried on these grounds while he faces North, towards home.
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Monument to the 24th Michigan Infantry
on McPherson’s Ridge at Gettysburg
Elsewhere on the field, along the southwestern edge of Culp’s Hill, a small marker notes the location where the remnants of the 24th Michigan dug in after a brutal first days fighting. The simple stone reads:
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