Gettysburg/Independence Day

[S.A. Boggs]

Starting tomorrow is the anniversary of a crucial war in our nations history, ending with the anniversary of the beginning of our history as an independent nation. @ both times men fought for what they felt was right, against perceived injustice willing to give their lives. Again our nation is at a page of this history with our nation divided. Progressives/Old Guard who want to retain the status quo, a new team who want to return it to what the Founding Fathers gave us. Some of those here feel that this country, this Republic is finally getting back to what we were intended to be. Other's want a "Democracy" where the Constitution only applies if it feeds their definition of government. Do we fight another Civil War or accept what the Framers had in mind. Simple government OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE and not just for a chosen Elite who feel "entitled" to something not intended. These are the times that try men's souls! Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country is still good advice.
Sam

[Major Tom]

I've been to Gettysburg two times. I'm always humbled by the amount of men killed and maimed there. I just cannot imagine the bravery of those Southerners during Picket's Charge. They had to know their survival was minimal. And the Union at Little Round Top too. Visiting there during the off season is awesome!

[IditarodJoe]

Today is also the anniversary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Nearly 20,000 British soldiers died there on that day.

[blackhawknj]

July 1st, 1898-the Battle of San Juan Hill. In 1903 members of the Vermont Brigade were received at the White House after attend the 40th Anniversary commemorations at Gettysburg. They were received by President Roosevelt who told them:
"I was in a war myself once. Not a very big war, but it was all we had at the time."

[dogtag]

The Gettysburg address makes it hard to keep a dry eye.

[blackhawknj]

Edward Everett was the featured speaker on November 19, 1863-indeed, the event was rescheduled to accommodate him. He delivered The Gettysburg Oration-two hours. Followed by Lincoln-two minutes.
The next day Edward Everett wrote Lincoln, saying:
"I should flatter myself if I thought I came as near to the central idea of the occasion in two hours, as you did in two minutes."

[Clark Howard]

My great-great grandfather, Jabez Marshall Reid, was captured by Union forces, (yankees) at Gettysburg, on this date, 155 years ago. He died in a yankee prison on an island in the Delaware River three months later. And still, the refugees stream South. Regards, Clark

[ut1seabee]

Major Morgan Dowell Private Co. E 19th Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry 26yrs. old, a carpenter from Albemarle Co. was killed today 155 yrs. ago. He left a wife and 2 kids.

[dogtag]

I've been to Gettysburg two times. I'm always humbled by the amount of men killed and maimed there. I just cannot imagine the bravery of those Southerners during Picket's Charge. They had to know their survival was minimal. And the Union at Little Round Top too. Visiting there during the off season is awesome!

Lee ordered that against his Generals advice which was to go around
Little Round Top instead of charging uphill.
Why Lee is seen as a great General I'll never know.

[Vern Humphrey]

Actually, Lee gave no such order. Lacking his cavalry, he had only a vague idea of the terrain. He had had a dispute with Longstreet (who was opposed to any tactical offensive) and ordered Longstreet to attack "up the Emmitsburg Road," thinking he could outflank the Union Army that way. Longstreet practiced "malicious obedience" and did exactly what he was told -- even though John Bell Hood wanted to "find better ground" which would have led the Confederates around Round Top.