“Like a Stone Wall”: Faith, Courage, and a Memorial Day Tribute
By Del Albright
Author’s Note:
This post is not an endorsement of the Confederate cause or rebellion. I reference General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson solely to highlight his remarkable leadership, unwavering faith, and personal courage under pressure. His mindset offers timeless lessons on facing fear, staying grounded in purpose, and living ready—values that transcend any era or uniform.
“My religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed.
God has fixed the time for my death.
I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me.”
— General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson
Memorial Day is a time to honor those who gave everything in service to our country—those who laid it all down so the rest of us could live in freedom. It’s a day for reverence, reflection, and gratitude. But it can also be a moment to find inspiration—to live our lives with greater purpose and less fear.
One of the Civil War’s most fearless commanders, General “Stonewall” Jackson, earned his nickname during the First Battle of Bull Run. As bullets flew and chaos raged, he held the line with such calm resolve that another general shouted:
“There stands Jackson like a stone wall! Rally behind the Virginians!”
Jackson wasn’t fearless because he lacked danger—he was fearless because of faith. A devout Presbyterian, Jackson believed that God had already fixed the time of his death, so he focused only on being ready—ready to lead, ready to serve, ready to give his all. During my time in combat in Vietnam I reached deep down inside and found this same faith and resolve. I did what I had to do everyday and knew my “page” had not yet turned up. I harnessed my fear and put it to work.
In a world where fear seems to grip so many—fear of failure, of judgment, of stepping up—Jackson’s legacy reminds us that the mission matters more than the fear. Whether you’re leading troops, raising a family, protecting public lands, or simply standing for what’s right, there comes a time when we each must say:
I will not let fear hold me back.
This Memorial Day, let us remember those who did not hesitate, who gave their lives for something bigger than themselves. And let us live each day in a way that honors their sacrifice—not just with folded flags and flowers, but with purposeful living.
️ To the fallen: thank you.
We remember. We honor. We carry on—like a stone wall.