Gettysburg National Military Park

(photo taken by the National Park Service)

So many different states, different religions and world views, different ethnic groups - all making up the United States of America.  One thing we almost always agree on is the privilege of living here.  And I think the greatest threat against us comes not from the outside but from within.  There are many things we disagree about - passionately disagree.  Many of us fear, I think, that the dividing lines will become more prominent than those that unite.

It certainly happened once before.  It is perhaps a miracle that we were able to come together again after the Civil War.  Certainly the effects of those years lasted even until now.  But we did basically find a way to unite.  Perhaps the greatest leader for that coming together was Abraham Lincoln, who said in his inaugural speech that although our passion had strained, "It must not break our bonds of affection."  And that wasn't the only time he would unite us with the poignancy of his words.

Abraham Lincoln's most famous speech of all was given here, on the battlefield at Gettysburg.  This National park represents the bloodiest battle of those years when our differences drove us as far as they possibly could until we were at war.  It is a regrettable era in our history and one that requires our acknowledgment and understanding.  The Gettysburg National Park recently opened a brand new visitor's center on its grounds complete with a museum, film, and cyclorama telling the story of this tragic day and the events leading up to and following it.

Gettysburg is located on Pennsylvania farmland and is an excellent addition to educational tours to the Northeast, perhaps along with tours to Boston, New York City, or Washington D.C.  It is an important learning place for any American and a memorable way to instill in our students the differences that can divide us and the understanding we must preserve in order to remain united.