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Acknowledgments I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the many people who helped me over the course of my research on national Civil War parks and battlefields. I am grateful to Dan Waterman at The University of Alabama Press for his expert editorial advice and consultation, as well as series editor John Lucaites and the three anonymous reviewers for providing illuminating suggestions that expanded the clarity, focus, and overall strength of this book. This book is interdisciplinary at its core and reflects insights from a variety of outstanding scholars and individuals across the fields of rhetoric and communication,CivilWar history,and public history.In rhetoric and communication I thank ThomasW. Benson, gifted teacher, scholar, and master listener and synthesizer of information who exerted a tremendous influence on the project with the lightest touch; Stephen Browne, who opened my eyes to seeing the interpretive possibilities contained within public memory artifacts; and Michael Hogan, who guided me through the clutter of academic jargon and helped me say more while writing less. I want to acknowledge a group of fine Civil War historians who have tolerated a rhetorician’s quest to uncover deeper meanings about the war and its place in public memory: Ed Ayers, Bill Blair, Bill freehling , and Gary Gallagher. National Park Service rangers and historians graciously devoted their time and vast insights to this project. I am especially indebted to Scott Hartwig,John Hennessy,and Dwight Pitcaithley. Hope College provided generous summer research support, and my colleagues in the Communication Department not only engaged me in constructive discussions about the manuscript,but their kindness and collegiality provided an inspiring context for writing and reflection. I also wish to acknowledge my family. My children, Drew, Elena, and x / Acknowledgments Sean, provided many joyful detours to this book’s completion. My parents , Jack and Diane Spielvogel, instilled in their children a thirst for learning. They are both eloquent speakers, writers, and teachers, and their professional talents are only eclipsed by their gifts as loving spouses and parents. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for setting the bar so high. And to my wife, Laurie: my inspiration and partner in life, love, and work. ...

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