Trip to Gettysburg for the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address

[Angela]

I have to first state that this is all through the eyes of a “newbie” to the whole Lincoln/Civil War topic as well as a through the eyes of a foreigner who really felt to not belong into the crowd I was about to meet and spend the weekend with.

Incredible luck after my Lincoln road-trip had put me in contact with a great photographer who not only provided me wonderful reading material but also swayed my decision as to whether I should go to Springfield or Gettysburg for the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address.

As luck has it – the start as well as the finale, AS WELL AS THE MIDDLE, confirmed that America not only has the kindest people but also the most well meaning. The in-between was something I would have credited to people thinking it funny to have something “exotic” added to a long standing tradition, but as I wrapped it up, I realized how wrong I was.

Therefore I will start with the beginning and the ending.

I landed in Newark and made a pit stop in Jersey City where a grand statue awaited me to be photographed. The area I parked my rental looked somewhat like a place I probably should not park a rental car in. I got a nice hit on the back of my head from a gentleman leaving one of the apartment buildings who nodded at me encouragingly and told me I could leave my car where it was. The signs were quite confusing and he realized it right away I was a little lost – he also showed me the way to the Lincoln statue.

A somewhat similar thing occurred towards the end of the trip when I made my way to Brooklyn where I wanted to take a picture of yet another statue – unfortunately it was fenced off, due to construction work in the park.
After I had hurled many insults at the city of New York (as I do sometimes), I ran into a construction worker whom I tried to convince that I must get to that statue. He could not do it because his boss was around and told me to be back the next morning around 6am.

While I didn’t believe him, I still showed up and so did he. I had one hour behind the fence and am now engaging in yet another tradition I devour – pleading my undying love for the city of New York and its people.

I keep thinking that it is silly to believe that Abraham Lincoln still reaches across time and make people do things…better - but sometimes I wonder...

After I had arrived in Gettysburg, I gave my new photographer friend all the time in the world to get set up at the Lincoln Symposium (not true – I was just nervous to show up there) and when I finally arrived at the beautiful Wyndham hotel…he wasn’t there (lunch break).
Instead I met a gentleman from a local bookstore who seemed to know me and we engaged in a lively debate right away. I tiptoed back out and in again and from that moment on, was simply swept off my feet.

Introduced to people whose books I had read, people I admired deeply for the art they create, people who have devoted their life to study and teach about Abraham Lincoln were suddenly standing in front of me and I got to shake hands.

Not all encounters went… professional.

I vividly recall my meeting with John McClarey who made one of my favorite statues in Springfield and when I tried to voice my excitement over the livelihood of Lincoln covering up against a strong breeze, I might have been a little scary. I am truly grateful that his wife stepped in in time and gave me a lesson about quilting before I could grab the poor man and shout at him how much I appreciated his work.

Harold Holzer was kind enough to let me in on some details about the OTHER favorite statue of mine in Richmond and his attendance of the unveiling ceremony and the outrageous things that happened there.

I was able to NOT to yell - “say that again, please – I didn’t get that!” - during the presentation that Prof. James McPherson gave and which I tried to copy word by word.

I was however a stupidly grinning five year old when the most kindest man to ever have a bookshop in Chicago put a handwritten note from Abraham Lincoln into my hands. I tried not to cry because I didn’t want to stain that piece of paper, which, at that time, felt as heavy as the world to me.

While there was lots of banter and snickering involved– I could tell that people truly wanted me to “get in touch” beyond of what I knew.

I have taken home an assignment to now learn everything about DDT Gordon who was referenced in that particular paper – and I have already gotten as far as a court marshal and his unit.

No use in stating that I flat out refused to meet with Tony Kushner. While I have a long winded address prepared to thank him or anybody involved in the movie for making such a great impact in Europe und the European understanding of Lincoln, the Civil War and America in general – a summary of “movie….good” that one babbles out will just not make a good impression, will it!

I took a few walks on the battlefields after I had spent a day at the museum. It looks different at 7 in the morning when one is all alone out there and tries to imagine the exact opposite of the quiet and calm and crisp cold air.

I also learned how Little Round Top got its name when I hiked up to Big Round Top and why it is important to pay attention to details when a map sais you have a “splendid view” from LITTLE Round Top.

<Angela, there was a ceremony, will you PLEASE say something about the ceremony!!!>

There was also a ceremony celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. Can I just tell you about the greatest thing! I wanted to attend it and David’s wife (the photographer) made sure I would – close up and personal – by reserving seats at the cemetery at 6am. I loved what was said and done there – it was all very moving and well executed.

But the kindest, sweetest thing was a woman who waved at me, wrapped me up in a blanket, asked “There, close enough?” and then sang the National Anthem in the most beautiful voice I have ever heard!

I am sorry for all the people of Gettysburg who did not get not to welcome the current President!

I also want to say thank you to the most wonderful wife to one of my favorite artists who did not scold me for whispering along to the Pledge of Allegiance, but offered an encouraging wink instead, and to all the three hundred people who looked away when I made a complete fool of myself when trying to return a salute “The Boss” gave me and I stuttered “Yes, I am a police officer, but we don’t salute…in Germany”

I have learned so much on this trip – and it wasn’t (just) about history!

ETA: I took along on this trip people from five European countries (Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, GB) as well as a friend from the US who all in a way "participated" in that experience. We have send back and forth wonderful letters, articles, books and other kinds of memorabilia - the most treasured is a calendar with awesome photos...and pins - let there be pins!

ETA2: Looking at this post, I realize I am also a newbie when it comes to posting in a forum. I am sorry about all the pictures dancing around here - I have aligned them center, and am looking for the html mistake! SORRY!