Change in my BLOG name

NOT A FULL POST…JUST AN UPDATE BUT PLEASE READ

In order to more accurately represent what my blog is focusing on regarding the Battle of Gettysburg, I decided to change the title. It is my desire to create and maintain an inclusive blog that is able to attract readers of all backgrounds. Because of the human element attached to my blog, I feel that that title now as constructed better reflects my heart for this blog. I hope that you all continue to check in for future blogs. My next blog will focus on a College professor from Maine who decided to volunteer (in contrast to many being drafted) for the North, or the Union as an Army officer because he believed that ALL PEOPLE had value and thought that freedom FOR ALL was worth risking his life and leaving his family for. Any guesses on whom I will be blogging about next?

John Burns...A 70 year old civilian solider

 

The Battle of Gettysburg was fought during the American Civil War in 1863. This three day battle took place on July 1-3 and is often called the turning point of the war. Whether you have an opinion regarding the significance of the Battle of Gettysburg or not, there is no denying the fact that thousands of lives were altered as a result of this battle.

I know that everyone is not as interested in the Civil War as much as me; therefore, instead of getting into the details of the battle, I'm going to bring to life some of the people, soldiers and civilians, who were greatly impacted by this battle.

Before the battle, Gettysburg was no more than a small town which consisted of people who worked, went to school, and lived their lives. After the Civil War, Gettysburg took on a Larger-Than-Life-Persona that either turns people off of the battle or captivates their fascination in the Civil War even more. Here is a link if you want to read more about Gettysburg before the Battle. Gettysburg before the Civil War.



Phtograph of John Burns







Burns Monument at the Gettysburg Battlefield

















I recently visited Gettysburg and learned about of a remarkable 70 year old man named John Burns. On July 1, 1863, Mr. Burns, a veteran of the War of 1812, heard the first shots of the Battle of Gettysburg fired, grabbed his flintlock musket, and sprang into action. After being rejected by the U.S. Army for military service because he was too old, Burns simply walked onto the battlefield on July 1 and joined the 155^th Pennsylvania Division and fought alongside the infamous Iron Brigade. Burns was actually wounded three times and was captured by the Confederate Forces but was released a short time later. Needless to say, Burns did not participate in the action of the battle on July 2^nd and 3^rd. Burns did become a national hero after the battle and was even personally thanked by President Lincoln.

 

Wow! Burns was a 70 year old man fighting for a purpose and cause. Some would call his actions crazy but I call his decision to fight admirable. If a cause is worthy and noble, it is worth fighting for…150 years ago or today. At 70 years old or what every age you are, what cause or person would you risk losing your life over?

The Battle of Gettysburg, as well as the Civil War is filled with many personal stories which bring the “human” element into the big picture. I look forward to looking at the ramifications of Gettysburg on the lives of several others in the upcoming weeks and months.