"HISTORY IS THE GREATEST TEACHER YOU WILL EVER HAVE"

DR. BUD ASSISTS IN RESEARCHING LINCOLN FUNERAL FOR JFK'S

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On November 23, 1963, the body of the 35th President of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, arrived at the White House.   The flag-draped coffin, borne by an honor guard representing the major branches of the military, was placed in the East Room where President Abraham Lincoln's coffin rested almost a century before.

Following the First Lady's request, the East Room was decorated in black crepe and her husband's coffin was put on the same catafalque used for President Lincoln in 1865.

Dr. James "Bud" Robertson, Jr.* assisted Director of the Library of Congress David Mearns in researching the Lincoln funeral on which JFK's would be patterned.  Dr. Bud was appointed by the late president in 1961 to be executive director of the United States Civil War Commission.

Sadly, Bud Robertson passed away on November 2, 2019 at the age of 89.  He made his last appearance at the Knoxville Civil War Roundtable on April 10, 2018. 

One of Dr. Bud's most memorable quotes is...

"History is the greatest teacher you will ever have." 

*James Irvin "Bud" Robertson, Jr. (1930-2019) graduated from Randolph-Macon College in 1955 & received his MS & PhD at Emory University.  Dr. Bud was a long-time history professor at Virginia Tech where he specialized in Civil War studies.  He authored 18 books and was a popular speaker on Civil War topics.

Dr. Bud Robertson, Jr. & John White

Knoxville Civil War Roundtable

April 10, 2018

ONE OF THE MOST DISTINGUISHED NAMES IN CIVIL WAR HISTORY

BUD ROBERTSON GIVES LAST TALK TO KNOXVILLE'S CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE

Knoxville, Tennessee (JFK+50)  Dr. James I. "Bud" Robertson, Jr.,* "one of the most distinguished names in Civil War history," gave his last talk to the Civil War Roundtable last night at Bearden Banquet Hall here in Knoxville.  Dr. Robertson told the group at the end of his talk that because of recent health issues his physician has advised him to give up the lecture circuit.

Bud Robertson, Alumni Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at Virginia Tech University, served on the Civil War Commission in the 1960s working with presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.

The subject of last night's talk was "The Turning Point of the Civil War."  Dr. Robertson touched upon the differing thoughts on the subject.  Was it at the Battle of Antietam and the subsequent issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation?  Could it have been at the Battle of Chancellorsville when the South lost Stonewall Jackson?  Or as most historians argue, at the Battle of Gettysburg when Lee's army was turned back on Cemetery Ridge?  Still others argue it was the fall of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863.*

Bud Robertson spoke to a full house and was awarded with a standing ovation after his talk.  The Knoxville Civil War Roundtable is celebrating its' 35th anniversary.

*Bud argues that while all these thoughts bear merit, he believes the turning point came in 1864.  Since Dr. Robertson may be giving this lecture at more roundtables we will not disclose the specific event.

SOURCE

"Acclaimed Civil War Scholar, Dr. Bud Robertson, To Address 'The Turning Point of the Civil War,'" The Scout's Report, 35th Anniversary Edition, Knoxville Civil War Roundtable, www.kcwrtorg.wordpress.com/

              
*Dr. James I. "Bud" Robertson, Jr. was born in Danville, Virginia in 1930.  He earned his degrees at Randolph-Macon College and Emory University.  BR is the author of 25 books and winner of 8 national awards.  His book on Robert E. Lee is due out in the fall.  Bud taught 44 years at Virginia Tech University & worked on the planning of JFK's funeral in November 1963.  

Dr. James I. Robertson & John White

Knoxville Civil War Roundtable
April 10, 2018