Here's a brief piece inspired by the U.S. Civil War. Here in Virginia, and elsewhere throughout the south, memories of the war have considerable influence. Once at a social gathering in a small Virginia town someone asked where I lived. After replying Vienna, Virginia I received the response:
"Very nice up there, but the Yankees 'done ruined it."
Then, after a pause,
"You ain't a Yankee, are you?"
When I confirmed that I was originally from Oregon I was advised that this didn't qualify as a "Yankee" ...
Later,
DW
During the final days of the Great War, Union forces occupied Richmond, Virginia (about 100 miles from here, if anyone's counting). An elderly matron was going about her business one day when she took a serious fall and lay quite shaken on the ground.
A Union soldier, properly dressed in a very smart blue uniform, rushed to her aid and quickly had her up and on her way.
"Thank you very much, soldier. "This is very kind," came the reply.
Then, as the old woman walked away she added,
"If there's a cool spot in hell, I hope they give it to you."