Historian describes importance of commemorating anniversary of Civil War



Listen to an audio story by Annenberg Radio News:

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imageOn April 12, 1861, Confederate forces opened fire on Fort Sumter in South Carolina. They began what would become a five-year civil war that redefined America as a nation – and 150 years later, the U.S. Postal Service is one of many American organizations that will be commemorating the war with special tributes over the next five years.

The postal service released two new “forever” stamps today that depict iconic images from the start of the Civil War. One illustrates the attack on Fort Sumter, and the other features the First Battle of Bull Run.

Major Joseph Scott is a history instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He spoke about the importance of commemorating the anniversary of the Civil War without celebrating it.