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.
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| Phtograph of John Burns |
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Burns
Monument at the Gettysburg Battlefield
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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 155th 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 2nd and 3rd. Burns did become a national hero after the battle and was even personally thanked by President Lincoln.
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 155th 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 2nd and 3rd. 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.
This is going to be a fascinating blog! You have a very clearly worded purpose and the human interest angle makes me want to keep reading! The photos are sharp and colorful. You're personal comments on Burns's life are interesting. I am looking forward to seeing more posts!
ReplyDeleteWow- Mr. Burns sounds like he was a remarkable man. Thank you for taking the time to spotlight this great American hero. Although, I am sure he would not have considered himself as such. I am forever grateful for people like him. People who willingly risk their life to protect my rights and have a passion that inspires others.
ReplyDeleteVisiting the hills of Gettysburg and the beaches of Normandy are high on my “bucket list” In college, I took a semester long class on the Civil War. I was one of only two girls in a class of 45 men. So needless to say, I am excited to follow your blog.