The National Park Of the People, By the People & For the People

“The National Park “Of the People, By the People & For the People” Continues to Amaze

The vacations people choose to go on with their family and friends range from hiking and camping trips to recreational ‘fun in the sun’ to hitting the road and admiring the beauty that IS the U.S. of A.; however, there is one place that not only provides entertainment and beauty to

one and all, but also allows everyone to stand on hallowed ground where a battle was once fought, a beloved President spoke, and lives were given in order for freedom to shine.

It is inarguable when stated that the Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War. This was the place where the Union scored the largest victory, ending General Lee’s most harrowing and ambitious invasion of the North. Although the most violent time for Americans – fighting each other – Gettysburg will always be remembered for that fight and that deep-seeded need to become one country and learn how to stand up beside each other. It also became one of the most amazing locations in the world where not only can you tour the battleground where your earlier generations risked

their lives for your freedom, but you can also be in awe of the entirety of the Military Park and Research Center.

People say (as does this writer) that it is truly an incredible journey. When you pull into the Park, with a great many other visitors, and leave parking lots and the world behind everything literally does go silent. Even though you are certainly near the busy town moving all around you, the battlefield is peaceful. Only the whispers of a forgotten time reach your ears. Closing your eyes, you can hear the wind through the trees and tears come to the eyes remembering and thanking veterans of a War that should never have had to be fought.

The battle was only three days long in July of 1863, yet the fate of the nation was decided. Gettysburg, itself, met with total devastation; from fields and public buildings to churches, homes, and hospitals, every part of Gettysburg bore the scars of the fight. There are even ghostly stories regarding a woman who was the only civilian killed during the battle: the Jennie

Wade house still stands and is able to be toured. Authentically furnished, it is a goosebump-inspiring moment in your life as you stare at the bullet holes in the doors that claimed her life in her very own kitchen.

What is now a National Military Park once saw tens of thousands of soldiers pass on, and it was the residents of Gettysburg who were so upset about the condition of the soldiers’ graves scattered across the county, that they met with the Governor of Pennsylvania to right the wrongs and give these brave men a place to lie that spoke of their courage and valor to others. Soldiers’ National Cemetery’ was born, and the man who remains one of the most liked and respected President’s to ever lead the United States – Abraham Lincoln – came to the spot and delivered the Gettysburg Address which, although only two-minutes in length, became a staple for this country. These words served as both a eulogy for the men who had fallen, and a call to others to renew their devotion to the cause of freedom. These words remain the most well-known of any in the history of this country.

But it is not just the history that draws people to this location. Almost two million people head to Gettysburg every year and enjoy everything from hiking trails to scenic car tours to walks through the battlefield where monuments and cannons decorate the landscape. The vistas are absolutely stunning, with rolling hills and valleys that speak of peace and silence, obliterating the noise and panic of War by offering a place where the strongest of souls are remembered for all time.

The environment has been altered and mended over time. Vegetation has been born, as well as people working to bring back Gettysburg’s original integrity by restoring woodlots, orchards,

and even historic fencelines that were markers during the battle. For the historian, Gettysburg National Military Park plays home to some of the most amazing collections of Civil War relics, including the George Rosensteel Collection, which is the centerpiece. Everything from weapons to uniforms to items that the soldiers utilized during those days stand as a memorial to the hard work and utter devotion they had for this country. And the Research Center…the books, letters, and historical words that can be found, is absolutely extraordinary.

So when perusing the map for the summer vacation, or thinking about a way to learn more when it comes to this beloved country and the men and women who fight to keep us safe each and every day, choosing to visit Gettysburg National Military Park is a must. Only there can ‘the people’ learn, enjoy, and honor the most honorable of all.

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