Anniversary of 8,000 Deaths

The Battle of Gettysburg was fought from July 1-3, 1863—150 years ago.  On the 100^th anniversary of the Gettysburg battle Vice-President Lyndon Johnson spoke these words:

One hundred years ago, the slave was freed. One hundred years later, the Negro remains in bondage to the color of his skin. The Negro today asks justice. 

We do not answer him—we do not answer those who lie beneath this soil—when we reply to the Negro by asking, ‘Patience.’ 

It is empty to plead that the solution to the dilemmas of the present rests on the hands of the clock. The solution is in our hands. Unless we are willing to yield up our destiny of greatness among the civilizations of history, Americans—white and Negro together—must be about the business of resolving the challenge which confronts us now. 

Our nation found its soul in honor on these fields of Gettysburg 100 years ago. We must not lose that soul in dishonor now on the fields of hate.  

Will there be speeches this week?  What will it take to complete the journey?

(The painting above is Father William Corby C.S.C. offering general absolution to an Irish brigade before the battle at Gettysburg.)