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.
--President Lincoln's address at the dedication of the cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1863.
Over the years I have been consumed by the Civil War. I don't really care to favor a side, the gallantry of Gen. Thomas (Stonewall) Jackson, his dedication to salvation and duty can be no greater than that of my maternal descendant Gen. US. Grant. The Commanding Generals Lee & Meade, were not any better than the other, fate drew them in into battle with one another, lest we forget the USA did attempt to land Lee as her leader just prior to this bloody, long lasting conflict.
I reside in Ar.which has its share of markers and battlefields. I fear the stories will be lost with our young. Will the story behind the story of Armistead and Hancock remain, or will it die with the onslaught of oblivion with our youth of today. This I pray to my God is a false assumption on my part, I fear it is not.
It is my earnest desire to one day re-enact battles of this great conflict, as to this day I've not attempted to, one day I will. I favor the President alot, maybe I'd have an easy job. I'd rather ride cavalry though, since J.E.B Stuart got caught with his boots off @ Brandy Station, perhaps I will elect to ride Union Calvary.
To all who read this and crack a smile, God Bless you. To all who read this and don't, I'm just a corny upper middle aged, big gray bearded man and God Bless you anyway.