May their memory be eternal.
Philosophers interpret history.
It is true that some would prefer to ignore history which they find to be emotionally and ideologically inconvenient. But to do this would encourage mass ignorance, impoverish our lives, and diminish our personal and national integrity. Indeed, it is this capacity for self-criticism and loyal opposition that is absolutely vital for the survival of a democratic republic. It is nothing less than the qualifying mark of a responsible and genuinely patriotic citizenry. Acknowledgements Photographs of the miners marching to Lattimer and of Mother Jones were found on the web site of the United Mine Workers of America .