For many, visiting a battlefield is a passive experience – a means to visit the battlefield and to maybe read a few plaques and such along the way.  For me, though, it’s much different.

As I stood in front of Spangler’s Woods, and stared across the field where Pickett’s Charge took place, I could hear the crunch of earth beneath my feet.  I could see the smoke covering the field – a product of the morning’s intense artillery blasts from both sides.  I could feel the weight of my rifle, and the adrenaline and terror shooting through my veins with each step.  I could hear and see the muskets being fired near the copse of trees, and could sense the presence of men firing from near The Angle.

On Little Round Top, as I looked out toward Devil’s Den past the monument to the 16th Michigan, I could almost see the Texans and Alabamans making their way towards the summit.  I could feel the heat and humidity, and hear the sharpshooter’s bullets piercing the air as they passed within range.  I could feel the pressure mounting as I began to run low on ammunition, and could feel the immediate despair when I knew the position might not be able to be held.

In the Soldiers National Cemetery, standing near the Soldiers National Monument, I could faintly hear the words:  “Four score and seven years ago………….we cannot dedicate – we cannot consecrate – we cannot hallow this ground……that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, for the people, by the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

It was an amazing experience – a life changing experience.

Visiting the Gettysburg battlefield was better than any of my expectations.  Being able to walk and stand on the ground where such an important battle in our nation’s history took place – and, even more importantly, stand in the area where Lincoln delivered his immortal words – in order to set a people free – was incredible.

The entire town has an amazing feel to it, and definitely was witness to a pivotal moment in the survival of our nation as we know it today.  If the Gettysburg battle had not turned out the way that it did, our country could be much different – much, much different.

I am a different person after being able to stand on such hallowed ground – and I am very grateful to all of those men – Confederate and Union – who fought and who gave their lives in order to define and shape a country into what it is today.

Standing on such hallowed ground helps us to not forget – and may we never do so.

Popularity: 1% [?]