James Garfield, a major general in the U.S. Volunteers during the war and an Ohio congressman (and future president), gave a speech at Arlington on Decoration Day in 1868 that explained the sacred nature of the cemetery and the feelings toward the Confederates and especially Lee: Seven years ago, this was the home of one who lifted his sword against the life of his country, and who became the great imperator of the rebellion. The soil beneath our feet was watered by the tears of slaves … But, thanks be to God, this arena of rebellion and slavery is a scene of violence and crime no longer. This
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