Helen Comer, Daily News Journal, December 31, 2014
A portrait of Jim Lewis, in the National Cemetery at Stones River National Battlefield. Lewis has been a Park Ranger at this park for 17 years and has been a Park Ranger for 23 years in all. Little known fact about Lewis is that the silhouette seen around the battlefield with canons and muskets were actually made using Lewis’ image. Lewis said because of this he can say he is an actual monument on the battlefield. (Photo: HELEN COMER/DNJ)
MURFREESBORO – Shots rang out across fields and through forests outside of Murfreesboro from Dec. 31, 1862, and Jan. 2, 1863, during the Battle of Stones River.
Every year, park rangers like Jim Lewis, 48, and visitors commemorate the Civil War battle this week at Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro.
Lewis, a law enforcement ranger, is charged with keeping the peace in the park as well as managing its museum collection and cultural resources, he explained.
He also gives lectures, conducts “living history” programs and, his favorite, “protects and shares this special place and story with people from all over our nation and the world,” Lewis said.
Lewis has protected and shared the wonders of the battlefield for the past 17 years of his 23 years with the National Park Service.
“I get paid to fire a cannon. You tell me: Is there’s another job that’s cooler than that?” Lewis asked.
Visitors can see Lewis fire a cannon and relive history this week during the 152th anniversary of the Battle of Stones River.
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If you go
Stones River National Battlefield has anniversary events scheduled through Jan. 4. For a complete schedule, go to www.nps.gov/stri