State Representative Dennis Tipsword (il) | Representative Dennis Tipsword, Jr. (R) 105th District
State Representative Dennis Tipsword (il) | Representative Dennis Tipsword, Jr. (R) 105th District
On November 19, 1863, a dedication ceremony took place at the Gettysburg Soldiers’ National Cemetery. The keynote speaker was Edward Everett, a renowned orator and former U.S. Senator. However, his two-hour, 13,000-word speech would soon be overshadowed by the words of President Abraham Lincoln.
Lincoln's invitation to Gettysburg was an afterthought, and his speech, initially perceived as a failure, would go on to become one of the most powerful and memorable speeches in American history. In just two minutes and 271 words, Lincoln eloquently encapsulated the nation's founding and the challenges it faced.
In his address, Lincoln spoke of the significance of dedicating the cemetery, acknowledging the futility of trying to further sanctify the ground where so many had made the ultimate sacrifice. He expressed his determination to fulfill the unfinished work for which the fallen soldiers had given their lives, with the hope of creating a better nation and preserving our unique system of self-government.
"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here," Lincoln humbly stated. "But it can never forget what they did here."
The reaction to Lincoln's speech was initially subdued. The crowd fell silent, and scattered applause followed. Some accounts suggest that the audience was so moved by the speech that they were momentarily speechless. Others propose that they were taken aback by the brevity of Lincoln's words. Regardless of the immediate response, history has recognized the profound impact of the Gettysburg Address.
Today, 160 years later, we commemorate the anniversary of this momentous speech and reflect on the lasting legacy of President Abraham Lincoln. His words continue to resonate, reminding us of the sacrifices made and the ongoing work required to uphold our ideals.
To learn more about the Gettysburg Address, visit the online exhibit provided by the Illinois State Library at [https://presidentlincoln.illinois.gov/visit/whats-inside/exhibits/online-exhibits/gettysburg-address-everett-copy/].
For additional details, please follow this link: https://reptipsword.com/2023/11/19/lincolns-gettysburg-address-160-years-ago-today/
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