Meet Chris Messenger of Osprey, Fl.

“...becoming a member and donor to the American Battlefield Trust only made sense to me. I love American history and the preservation of our American battlefields.”

Color Bearer Chris Messenger

American Battlefield Trust: Tell us a bit about yourself.

Chris: I am a retired Army officer in the grade of Major, Military Police Corps. Military history was a natural for me. I spent 30 years in Richmond, Va, residing in Varina. I actually lived in the battlefield with the Union trenches in my front yard. I was able to walk to most of the outer ring of front-line fortifications erected by the Confederate Army. Studying the Civil War is one of my favorite pastimes.

How were you first introduced to the Trust, and what motivated you to donate?

I have been a member of the Gettysburg Foundation for a while now. I am also a member of the Hunley Society, so becoming a member and donor to the American Battlefield Trust only made sense to me. I love American history and the preservation of our American battlefields.”

Which facet of our organization’s activities most strongly resonates with you?  

The preservation of our American legacy and American battlefields.  

What do you enjoy most about being a Color Bearer?  

Knowing my donations go to the preservation and purchase of American battlefield acreage.

Which battlefield sites that you’ve visited have left the most profound impact on you?

By far, Gettysburg is my favorite battlefield. I have been to the Vicksburg battlefield, Yorktown, Valley Forge, Sharpsburg, Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Richmond, Bull Run, Lexington, Boston, Charleston, Mobile, Petersburg, Ft. McHenry in Baltimore—heck, I cannot remember them all.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why?

That’s a tough one. There are a number of historical figures that come to mind: David Crockett, Sitting Bull, Stonewall Jackson, Phil Sherman, Thomas Jefferson—the list goes on and on. If I had to pick one, it would be George Washington. He experienced war against the French and their Indian allies, fought with the British, and lastly led our country to victory in the American Revolutionary War. 

What would you like to pass on to future generations?    

The importance of preserving our history and our country. And the sacrifice of our early patriots who fought a war to bring us freedom.