Gettysburg, PA

Gettysburg National Cemetery

The highest casualty battles of the civil war happened here from July 1st to July 3rd, 1863. Resulted in a union victory. Then in November, Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address here.

Site of Gettysburg Address speech

Walking up to the pillar felt humbling. Felt small as if in the presence of Gods at a Roman temple. Like we are always being watched by them and being appraised for our valor.

Sites marked "unknown"

Sad to be a nameless soldier of low rank. You die and no one knows who you are. Even so, what difference is it have your name on a tombstone if no one remembers who you are two hundred years later?

For a squirrel who can't read to jump on it?

Squirrel

It's all they got. A raw deal. A testament to the use of human life for personal gain.

Then after a decade, that's all they have. A bitter memory. It's sad. But without even that, they'd be gone.

Across the street, visible in the background is a McDonald's, intruding on the solemnity of the scene. In what decade will this all be paved over with tacky merchandise?

McDonald's in the distance