Another kind of trip down memory lane

[germdoc]

Thoughtful article on Gettysburg by George Will (absolutely non-political BTW):

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...101503168.html

I grew up 3 miles from Chickamauga Battlefield and know it like the back of my hand. I have visited many of our Civil War sites (and a few Revolutionary War sites) and have to say that my trip to Gettysburg was one of the most memorable. To think that so many Americans died on that beautiful ground...

I was struck by one of his later comments, that the vast majority of Americans have never heard shots fired in anger. Food for thought.

[ironhat]

Good refeence, Jeff. I especially like this paragraph and hope that I have not violated Mr. Will's copyright since you have posted the reference.

"Recently, a Gold Star mother finally visited Gettysburg, after driving by it often en route to visit the Arlington grave of her son, who was killed in Iraq. She was especially moved by these words from a Gettysburg newspaper published four days after the battle: "Every name . . . is a lightning stroke to some heart, and breaks like thunder over some home, and falls a long black shadow upon some hearthstone." Gettysburg still stirs, but not as it used to, or should."

And, I am disappointed at lack of presence of mind found in the last phrase in the next to last paragraph; "and another visitor who doubted that the fighting here really was fierce because there are no bullet marks on the monument."

[RAFlorida]

Thanks Jeff for sharing a stirring memory.

So many lost their lives in that battle, (and yes in all the other battles that occurred during the entire Civil War). It saddens me and many others that such lose of life. We must remember those who fell there and in all battles in all the wars we've fought.
And as Chriz posted about the individual who made the statement of not a fierce battle; How many died there? Over 8,000 solders. Here's a Wiki info page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Gettysburg
Thanks for your post to our history.

[shoottx]

Thanks!

I can imagine no one explaining the opening of a public/private museum in such stirring language. In addition the subject of the museum recieve the correct reverential treatment.

[rmcjh]

If any of you have the opportunity to visit the area do so. First thing is to go to the Visitors Center and watch the light show (free) then decide how you want to tour the area. I highly recommend the tour where-as a guide will drive your car and occupants to various areas while giving you a history lesson about the battles and how it all took place. I don't know what the current tprice is but it's well worth the extra few dollars.

[Ed62]

I've been to Shiloh, but never to Gettysburg. It's on my list of places I want to get to. Shiloh was a quite an experience. The Bloody Pond left quite an impression. I'm sure Gettysburg won't take a back seat.

Ed

[dlminehart]

The Gettysburg movie, starring Martin Sheen, was really outstanding.