Gettysburg

We don't know much about the Civil War. But we love Gettysburg and we love Lincoln. Gettysburg is a charming town. If we were both two decades younger, Gettysburg College (est. 1832) could be a fine small college to attend. If we didn't have to worry about school or work, we'd consider living in the area. The surrounding battlefields are filled with monuments, signposts, and reverent tourists drawn to understand the war's bloodiest battle during three days in early July 1863.

Given our lack of knowledge about Gettysburg we can only comment on what most resonated with us on this day.

Eternal Light Peace Memorial on Oak Hill: Confederate and Union soldiers came together in 1913 wanting to erect a monument to 50 years of peace. With the ensuing Depression and scarcity of funds, the memorial wasn't dedicated until 1938. Sadly, 75 years after the battle, many of the veterans who had envisioned the peace monument had passed on.

David Wills House: In short, Wills invited Lincoln to "make a few appropriate remarks" at the dedication of the battlefield on 19 November 1863. Lincoln stayed the night of 18 November at Wills's home where he revised the Gettysburg Address. Pellew and I read several times the 273 word address with a new found regard for Lincoln and new interest in the politics of the war. Pellew particularly appreciated that Edward Everett, the day's keynote speaker, commented that Lincoln said more in two minutes than he, Everett, had said in two hours. Smart.

Soldiers National Cemetery: We took a guided tour through the cemetery with a national park guide. The cemetery's focal monument is topped with the Greek muse of history, Clio, Ceres the goddess of grain, is the muse of history, and two male statues depicting both war and peace, which is unusual. It's not possible to stand at the exact point where Lincoln gave the address since it's most certainly located beyond the fence line in the adjacent Evergreen Cemetery. Also, Richard Nixon's great-grandfather is interred here.

To spend one day in Gettysburg is an absurdity. We're looking forward to visiting and seeing Elvis again.