Day 15
Today is the 144th anniversary of the Union’s victory at the Battle of Gettysburg, which marked the turning point in the Civil War. If you never have, read The Killer Angels, Michael Shaara’s novel of that great battle. At the very least, watch the film version, Gettysburg. There’s some fictionalization, of course, but they tried stay as close to the actual events as possible. 1-3 July 1863 were some pretty amazing days in the history of these (still) United States.
Now for the great irony of the day, in keeping with the Civil War theme:
Union General John Sedgwick’s last words, regarding the Confederate sharpshooters at the Battle of Spotsylvania:
“They couldn’t hit an elephant from this dist–”
Onward.
I always get chills at this verse of the Battle Hymn of the Republic (written in 1861, hence the “die to make men free” line in the original).
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;
[originally …let us die to make men free]
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.
Made for Eternity 