I love my country and proudly show my colors wherever I may roam. It’s hard for me not to tear up when I remove my cap, put my hand over my heart and listen to the National Anthem.
Today is July 3rd and if the world continues to spin at its usual pace, tomorrow will be the 4th of July, America’s Independence Day. As momentous as that day is, there was another major and, arguably, equally important event that occurred 86 years and 364 days later, in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania.
While July 4th, 1776 started a war towards autonomy and independence, July 3rd 1863, the final day of the Battle of Gettysburg, signifies the beginning of the end of the Civil War which, oddly enough, united our nation forever.
Now, I have to admit that I was never a big history buff until I met my husband and my father in-law, Skip. Skip is an Air Force Colonel and used to teach military history at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, so this stuff is dinner table conversation for the Lee Family.
From what I have come to understand, the Battle of Gettysburg (along with the fall of Vicksburg the next day) turned the Civil War in the favor of the Union by stopping the advance of Southern troops in the North. Had the North lost the battle of Gettysburg, General Lee’s big bet was that the North’s spirit to fight would be broken. The North prevailed in this battle, however, and although the war raged for another two years, the Southern Army retreated and the Union was preserved.
In late June of 2001, we celebrated my father-in-law’s 60th birthday with a trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He was over the moon and basically couldn’t stop talking. We hired a tour guide and Gettysburg aficionado, Jim Boudry. Mr. Boudry – if you’re out there – God Bless you! Jim spent most of his time excitedly discussing not only the battle, but the entire war with Skip, so we didn’t have to.
The most memorable part of the trip came on the third and final day when we took a horseback ride across the grassy, green battlefields where Picket’s Charge occurred. We were hooked up with an audio set (background music included) and moved along the route and placements at a pace that fit the commentary. I felt completely isolated yet so much a part of what had happened so many years ago. I listened to the battle rage around me, felt the canon shots’ reverberations, and cringed at the battle cries of men young and old, Rebel and Yankee.
When terra firma as beautiful as this is at peace, it’s quite impossible to envision 50,000 casualties, a large portion of them lying on that open field. It is the creative task of the curators at Gettysburg National Park to help you see just that. I was brought to tears thinking of their supreme sacrifice for a cause they believed in ~ all of them. Those few hours on horseback in the pasturelands of Pennsylvania are ones that I will never forget.
Of course, one must question what makes people venerate a place like Gettysburg. Is it the fact that thousands lost their lives and more were injured or captured? Is it the ideals they fought for or against? Is it the role the battle played in the history of not only the United States but across the world? Perhaps, it is different for everyone.
My great-grandfather fought in the Civil War and survived. We found his company’s marker along the way, and I tipped my hat. Although he did not fight at Gettysburg, he was present for Lincoln’s infamous address.
As I said, I’d never been much of a history girl, but I am now. A few weeks ago I personally requested that we watch “Gettysburg” an historical movie of the days leading up to and including July 3rd’s battle. This was my inspiration for what I’ve written today.
War is a nasty business, but freedom doesn’t come free. Please take a moment over these next few days to say a few words for those that have fought and continue to fight for our country and all the good things it stands for. How can you not?
General George Pickett was a bit of a character and was once asked why he felt that battle was lost, he replied:
“I’ve always thought the Yankees had something to do with it.”
Eat well, Live well
Heidi
Leave a Reply