John May Hamilton...

Disclaimer: This post discusses, and includes pictures of human remains...If your grossed out...deal with it.

There is a girl in our reenactment group who's Great Great Grandfather was killed during the Civil War. He was captured, and refused to renounce the Confederacy, and was killed for his allegiance. This man was a true American hero, he died for something he held very dear to him...his country, and his freedom. He was not willing to give those things up, and this hero choose to bravely face death, and hold fast to his beliefs. It's because of men like this, that we have the freedom we do today.

His family searched for many years for his remains. It was only a few years ago, that he was discovered in Bloomfield, KY, about an hour or so from Lexington. His family enlisted the help of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and the 5th KY to recover his remains, and bring them home to the family cemetery. There were so many people willing to devote an entire weekend in the hot sun digging a grave, and searching for the remains. It was moving to share an experience like this with a group of people, all focused on one purpose...bringing John May Hamilton home. Allow me to pause, and say, "Yes, I Kristen Porter, helped dig up a dead body in a cemetery." And I have pictures to prove it. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm not a fan of cemeteries, but this story touched me on such a deep level, and I was honored to be apart of it. We were able to recover quite a few bones, and had a memorial service for him the next day. I can't imagine the closure the family was able to experience after searching for someone for 145 years. I have been apart of a few dedications of headstones for Confederate veterans, and each has been special in it's own way. But, actually having a Confederate soldier's remains present at the dedication was spine tingling. Especially the remains from someone so heroic, and brave. How often does a person have the opportunity to bury a Civil War soldier? NEVER. It was an event that I truly will never forget.

Blast from the Past...1860's style...

For those of you that don't know that I have a new hobby, I have become a civil war reenactor. My brother Josh has been involved for a few months, and I have to say that I was intrigued. So, after attending an event, I decided to join. It's so much fun to get dressed up in the dresses, and all the guys treat you like a lady. Who couldn't get used to that? It's also fascinating to learn all the history of the Civil War. Josh did the family research, and discovered that our Great Great Grandfather, Charles Winnifield Porter fought for the 34th Virginia, Company K. I'm reading a book on the history of the war, and must say that they left alot out in AP US History in high school.

Naturally, when clothing and dressing up is involved, Kally came over to inspect, and try the dresses on for herself. I don't have a hoop yet, so it looks kind of funny, but Kally could wear anything and make it look cute! haha. She's gonna kill me for posting this on here...

And a few more favorites from vacation...

Oh how I love to travel...

A few favorites from the USS North Carolina...

Oh how I love history...

2nd Amendment Rights...

Disclaimer: Just a warning that I'm going to step on my soap box for a view minutes, and get a few things off my mind.

I've been hearing recent reports of a bill working it's way through the Senate. To make an incredibly long story short, the US government is trying to implement a registration/license for all gun owners. Basically stating that the government would track all purchases, and therefore know exactly what your "packing." Plus, if you don't register you can face up to 5 years in prison. You can check out the story for yourself...http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-45

For the record, I do not own a gun. Nor have I shot a gun anytime in the last 5 years. But reading this prompted me to write, because this is a free country. If this bill was ever passed (and I don't think it will) it would be removing 2nd Amendment rights from the law abiding American public. Placing firearms directly into criminal hands. I encourage everyone to write to their congressmen, and senators regarding this. American citizens have the right to protect themselves and their families.

Okay...stepping down from the soap box now.