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Show 8 FIESTA DAYS 2007 a family affair Namon Bills ASSOCIATE EDITOR Keith Renstrom doesn't personally remember the Civil War — nobody living does. According to the Chicago Tribune, the last Civil War veteran died on Dec. 19, 1959 at the age of 117. But even though he doesn't remember the Civil War, Keith Renstrom commemorates it every year. And if you've ever attended the Fiesta Days grand parade, you' ve probably commemorated it with him. Renstrom's Civil War group has led parades across the state, including the annual Fiesta Days parade, for almost 40 years." Renstrom's interest in the Civil War began years ago when his next-door neighbor in Huntsville would shoot Civil War guns for the family on holidays. Renstrom's friend, Reed Radmall, had a a Civil War cannon and would march with it in parades. Renstrom got involved and eventually they added an infantry group to accompany the cannon and the flag. The rest, as they say, is history. But what compels a man to dedicate half his life, and give up so many summer days, to a war he doesn't remember? Maybe part of the answer has to do with the war he does remember — World War II. "I was in the Marine Corps, F Company, 2nd Battalion, 255th Marines Regiment, 4th Marines Division," said Renstrom. Fighting in the Pacific Theater, he was wounded twice, once on Iwo Jima. Renstrom left the military after eight years active duty, but the experience stayed with him as did his patriotism. According to his wife, Jody, Keith continues the Civil War group in order to "teach the young people what patriotism is, so they will never forget the men who gave their lives for America." Renstrom's first impact on the younger generation came with his own children. Keith's son, Mike, said participating in the Civil War group was part of growing up. "He's our father — we've been doing it since we were four," he said. Keith's patriotic vision took root with the next generation, and now his sons, John and Mike, run the show — John in charge of the cannon and Mike heading up the infantry. According to Jody, the boys forced their dad to "retire" when he turned 80. "If we let him, he would still do it," said Mike. Now 86, Keith still attends the parades and helps out, even though he doesn't march in uniform. While the Renstrom group is primarily comprised of men — mostly neighbors, friends and family — it has also included a number of female volunteers. See CIVIL WAR* 9 Courtesy photo OLD ENOUGH TO ENLIST? Maybe not, but four-year-old Amaura Renstrom proved she is old enough to march in a parade as part of the Civil War commemoration group. |