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Gettysburg Address

Something to think about. Today, July 3rd, is the 145th anniversary of the third day of the battle of Gettysburg and Pickett's charge.

Quote:

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Did the "unfinished work" include rendition and torture?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeWaters (Post 237999)

Did the "unfinished work" include rendition and torture?

few things straddle the sacred and the profane while staying priceless in both, but this speech does. Waters, give it a rest and try to pick your spots a little better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by All-American (Post 237995)

Something to think about. Today, July 3rd, is the 145th anniversary of the third day of the battle of Gettysburg and Pickett's charge.

Gettysburg is one place every American should visit in their lifetime. It is hallowed ground. The sheer loss of life that occurred over those few days is staggering to contemplate. The bravery exhibited on both sides is well worth remembering.

I have always imagined that the beaches and cemeteries at Normandy feel the same way. I have probably been there a dozen times now and I never fail to feel struck by the fact of it being a sacred place. Anyone who visits the areas is also just a stones throw from Harpers Ferry at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. It was the armory for the Union and was famously captured by John Brown who was killed there. It is also one of the most beautiful places in this country. Thomas Jefferson famously said of it "The passage of the Patowmac through the Blue Ridge is perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature...this scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic."

Sorry for the tangent. I think I might go up there next weekend.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UtahDan (Post 238008)

I concur completely. I have been fortunate to be ther a half dozen times or so (including once for a reenactment just down the road on July 3) and have always been moved.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UtahDan (Post 238008)

Gettysburg and the Arizona are hallowed ground for me. A deep sense of honor overcomes me as I enter those grounds. I wish to visit Normandy some day as well.

VIcksburg is equally worth the trip.

I actually think everyone has made salient points here, including Waters.

I loved Gettysburg, but Normandy is unbelievable. If ever you feel that the French are ungrateful for the sacrifices made on their behalf, take a look at Normandy. It seems a little trifling to talk about landscaping, but the care they take of that area puts Arlington to shame. The landscaping is immaculate, the site is beautiful, and it's absolutely breathtaking and humbling to view the thousands of white crosses in rows. I'll never forget the feelings of that visit--absolutely the highlight of our week in France.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeattleUte (Post 238020)

VIcksburg is equally worth the trip.

I actually think everyone has made salient points here, including Waters.

Also because it's a hop, skip and a jump from us and we'd love to have you!