As the title suggests, Classmates Divided is the story of a finishing military class that fought in different sides of one war after they had completed school. The finishing class of 1861 from West Point military school is detailed as the only single class in the history of the military school that went into a tragic period. The students are said to have endured the loneliest period of their lives during a civil war where most of them perished. Since the war was against states, some soldiers decided to withdraw from the army and fight against their respective states. This made them confront those same people they had schooled together with and those who had chosen to remain in the regular army. The article tries to show us the comradeship that existed between these people even though they were in opposing camps. It also shows the devotion and loyalty that soldiers have toward their country.
The author provides us with clear evidence to support his statement. He begins by showing us how the civil war turned people who were supposed to be on the same side into enemies. Even though these graduates fought on different sides, they remained committed to their friendship. This can be seen in the way they mourned one of their own who had been killed in battle. In showing commitment to their friendship, the author tells the story of John Lea who had resigned from the army to fight for his state Mississippi. This should automatically have made him an enemy of the regular army. However, when the time came for him to get married, his old friend General George Armstrong and who was in the regular army was his best man. This can only be seen as a commitment to friendship.
In showing us how soldiers are selfless in their mission, the author gives us an example of Adelbert Ames who failed to recede even after being badly wounded on the battlefield. In reality, we are told that he was only taken away after he fainted. This shows great courage and commitment to a cause. Another example is that of Lieutenant Edmund Kirby. The author tells us that Edmund was mortally wounded while trying to rescue some ammunition that belonged to a volunteer regiment. What is so touching about Edmund is that he was not only young but was also dependent on his family. The author tells us that the only thing that grieved the young boy was the thought of leaving his mother and sister without any source of income. When Edmund was finally assured of a pension for his mother, he died with a smile on his face. This act of not thinking of oneself can only be termed as commitment and devotion.
One interesting thing about the death of Edmund Kirby is that both his fellow servicemen and those who had deserted to fight for the enemy mourned his death. This can only be termed as love in its purest form. This is because it’s only pure love that can make one grieve for their enemy. This clearly shows the discipline that had been instilled in the lives of these young men. Unlike today, the cadets back then learned in a secluded place. The academy sought to equip the young men with skills that would shape them into better men in society. With these skills, the author says that they remained “faithful till death.”
The author of this article has proved his thesis beyond any reasonable doubt. He has given us a clear pointer on how school should transform us into better people in society. He has achieved this objective by pointing out clear examples of people who were disciplined and loved each other even when the situation called for the reverse. I think this is something that the current military schools should emulate to bring back the discipline that existed in the past. However, I do not agree with the point where people were given ceremonial medals for their brevity. To me, people should have been awarded real medals that would in return motivate them to serve better in society.