Presidents Day 2009 - The Gettysburg Address.

In July 1863 the Union and Confederate Armies engaged each other at Gettysburg Pennsylvania in the decisive battle of the war. (See Book Reviews: Gettysburg for background.) On November 19, 1863 President Lincoln delivered a short address at the dedication of cemetery for those who had fallen. Reportedly the address, following a two hour oration by the main speaker, was hardly noticed by the crowd. But the short length of the Gettysburg Address put it on the front page of every paper in the North and it’s simple eloquence placed it in the heart and memory of the country.

Lincoln’s words are a still a strong reminder of the ideals on which the country was founded and a call to rededicate ourselves to these ideals.




Performed by Jeff Daniels.