This concise snippet of verbal history may be no more than 272 words, but its powerful message has helped to shape a mighty nation.
Anyone can string a bunch of words in a row to create a speech, but when those words are woven together in a simple and yet emotionally robust way their weight speaks to the soul rather than just the ear. When that happens, we still care 150 years later that a humble man -- whose words were originally labeled as unimportant and an awful failure -- took less than three minutes to say some of the most poignant words this nation has yet to hear.
This dedication of a hallowed field transformed into much more than just a speech at a political event. Over the years that followed it became a hearty cry to arms for the American people, a rallying call that all could stand behind, a reminder that this country is built on something more than just laws and party lines and the absence of a king. This nation was built on the backs of those who envisioned a place of freedom and power. It is a nation of the people, by the people, for the people.
That is something worth remembering. Even after 150 years.
Aubrey's class in school presented a program about President Lincoln and the Gettysburg address. It was beautiful. I honestly had tears in my eyes by the end. I am so grateful for teachers who help my children learn about the things that are truly important.
My little confederate soldier with her friend Mr. Lincoln (aka, Will). |
1 comment:
This is me - I see your title and my heart starts racing and I think: THE DEMOUXs ARE IN GETTYSBURG!! I thought you were in town and I was going to force you all to come see me ;)
Also, I love Josh's expression in your heading picture :)
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