THIS TOO SHOULD BE REMEMBERED
If you are like most, your knowledge of the Civil War is hazy or, if of a certain age, almost non existent. Such is the sad state of how, all too frequently, history is or was taught.
The Gettysburg Address can be recalled by most. And most history lessons recall the Battle of Gettysburg and Pickett's charge, where on the last day of the battle Robert E. Lee ordered a confederate charge by 12,500 men, one half of whom were killed or injured.
I've thought the history lessons were incomplete.
This scene from July 3, 1913 is symbolic of a history lesson that is sadly under appreciated. This is from the 50th Anniversary of the historic Battle of Gettysburg.
53 thousand Civil War veterans, Blue and Gray, gathered to remember the terrible battle and days of fighting.
In the scene below, from the Gettysburg living history site, Pickett's Charge is memorialized by re-enactment of those who were there 50 years before.
On July 3rd, 1913 Union vets took positions on Cemetery Ridge and watched as the former Confederates came from the woods of Seminary Ridge. This time when they came together they embraced in brotherly love.
And why isn't this astounding moment being taught?
This is from the 75th and final reunion and memorial, July 3 1938. The average age of the vets was 95, still 2000 men made the pilgrimage and again, embraced in unity, a final act of closure of the time when this nation tore apart and made war on itself.
Even if history books, lessons and other media barely make note of those other historic 3rds of July, we note it here.
The Gettysburg Address can be recalled by most. And most history lessons recall the Battle of Gettysburg and Pickett's charge, where on the last day of the battle Robert E. Lee ordered a confederate charge by 12,500 men, one half of whom were killed or injured.
I've thought the history lessons were incomplete.
In the scene below, from the Gettysburg living history site, Pickett's Charge is memorialized by re-enactment of those who were there 50 years before.
On July 3rd, 1913 Union vets took positions on Cemetery Ridge and watched as the former Confederates came from the woods of Seminary Ridge. This time when they came together they embraced in brotherly love.
A POWERFUL VIDEO
Thanks to film and YouTube
here is a short but lasting remembrance of the
extraordinary final reunion.
More images and information are available at Gettysburg.com's 75th Anniversary site.
Haunting and important moments to keep in mind as you prepare for and celebrate the 4th.
See you down the trail.
