Saturday, August 26, 2017

SOLDIERS’ NATIONAL CEMETERY

Monday, August 21 –  After a great ride around the area where day one of the Gettysburg battle occurred, we returned to our campground for a break and for a little dinner. We had one more area we wanted to see. The Soldiers’ National Cemetery had a free 45-minute guided tour entitled “Four Score and Seven Years Ago: Lincoln and the Soldiers’ National Cemetery.” We visited the site of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and explored the Soldiers’ National Cemetery where over 3,500 soldiers killed in the battle were laid to rest. All of the soldiers are Union except for eight that are Confederate. Another great event. Our guide shared so many wonderful tidbits about the Cemetery. Stories we would have never heard if we hadn’t taken this walking tour.

Soldiers’ National Cemetery

Soldiers’ National Cemetery

Soldiers’ National Cemetery

Soldiers’ National Monument is the first grand memorial in the cemetery.
Soldiers’ National Cemetery

At the base of the Monument are figures representing War, History, Peace and Plenty.

Soldiers’ National Monument

Soldiers’ National Monument

New York State Monument.
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It is said that the lady at the top has a tear running down her cheek.
Soldiers’ National Monument

Ohio Monument under a Buckeye tree.
Soldiers’ National Monument

In addition to those Union soldiers who died in the Battle of Gettysburg, it is a National Cemetery with military casualties sections containing individuals who served from the Spanish-American War to the early years of the Vietnam War.

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The tour ended at the Soldiers’ National Monument in the cemetery, and the playing of taps by a military bugler. A very moving end to a fabulous day in Gettysburg.

Soldiers’ National Monument

Soldiers’ National Monument

We have much more to see and do so check back for our report.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!