As Independence Day nears for Americans, let's reminisce on one Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, the "Hero of Gettysburg."

During the war between the states, this English professor-turned soldier fought in many key battles and was wounded six times. For his moment in history on Little Round Top, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. In the end, Ulysses S. Grant gave Chamberlain the honor of receiving the Southern surrender line at Appomattox.

In doing so, Chamberlain shocked both North and South alike by "calling his troops to attention to salute the defeated South" — offering them the highest respect.

(READ more in the column in the Broomfield Enterprise)