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November Historical Highlight The Gettysburg Address On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln stood where the Battle of Gettysburg took place and presented the Gettysburg Address. This two-minute presentation honored the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg and dedicated the Pennsylvania land as a military cemetery. The Battle of Gettysburg was one of the most important battles of the Civil War. Before the battle, many northern cities, such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, were under threat of attack by General Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army. In order to stop General Lee from gaining northern ground, the Union Army marched to intercept them and on July 1st through 3rd, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg resulted. Strategy played an enormous part in this battle as both armies defended their lines while attempting to break through the other side. Fighting took place at many different areas over the three-day battle, including Cemetery Ridge, Culp's Hill, and Little Round Top. The battle ended with fierce fighting on Cemetery Ridge where the Confederate soldiers were attempting to break through the Union lines. As the Confederates charged up the hill, Union soldiers fired cannons down on them and eventually hand-to-hand fighting began. Both sides fought ferociously; however, the Confederates broke down after a few hours and fell back in retreat. After three days, the battle and bloodshed had finally ended. The importance of the Battle of Gettysburg lies in several different aspects. In one regard, more men actually fought and died in that battle than in any other battle before or since on North American soil. Over 160,000 soldiers were involved in Gettysburg, and the Confederates suffered 28,000 casualties, while the Union lost 23,000 men. On the other hand, this battle was also an important victory for the Union Army and greatly aided them in winning the Civil War. The Confederate's advance to the north was halted and their confidence was damaged. Therefore, the Union victory at Gettysburg gave them an advantage in the war, whereas it had been evenly fought beforehand. The loss of life resulting from the Battle of Gettysburg is unfathomable and is truly tragic. In order to remember the soldiers who fought, President Lincoln dedicated the battlefield four months later. In his Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln stated, "we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain-that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedomBand that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth." The President's words still hold true today as we remember all who sacrifice for our freedom.