The only known photograph of President Lincoln giving his Gettysburg address on November 19, 1863. Public domain photo
By Tim Hyden
With much of our country and fire service in need today of a renewed, more deeply-rooted understanding of the importance and purpose behind who we are and what we stand for, it is refreshing to find ways to help bring forth those meanings when we can.
A date is approaching later this month that can do just that–a date recognized for the profound but subtle impact it has had on our country over the past 150 years. The date is November 19th, with the focus of that day centered around a short, seemingly insignificant speech that took a little more than two minutes to recite, yet still stands today as one of the greatest orations in the history of our nation.
The Battle of Gettysburg took place in early July, 1863, establishing new levels of bravery, dedication to belief, and outright ferocity in the ongoing efforts of both the Union and the Confederacy to be victorious. It is still referred to as one of the most intense battles of the Civil War. Although it was a very noteworthy battle in its own right, the real significance of Gettysburg was solidified four-and-a-half months later when an estimated 15,000 Americans gathered together on the southern edge of the small town to dedicate the battlefield and surrounding property as a national cemetery.
The well-known orator Edward Everett spoke for two hours before turning the podium over to President Abraham Lincoln. In two minutes, Lincoln recited the now-famous words of what became known as the Gettysburg Address–words that perhaps struggle to instill the same inspiration today that they have on past generations, who have studied the character, patriotism, and dedication of one of our nation’s greatest leaders. Lincoln’s meaning, however, does become clearer for those of us willing to take the time to comprehend those words:
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work, which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us–that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion–that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Take a moment to visit the following Web sites for an enlightening lesson on a very powerful chapter in the history of our nation. If you grasp the intended meaning, share it with others, keeping in mind the importance of unity and commitment to duty that was exhibited, without reservation, by so many Americans during that time–conduct we can encourage and teach today in maintaining the respect and dignity that our fire service so rightfully deserves.
http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/gettysburg/maps/gettysburg-animated-map/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCXUbQ4JjXI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt7qvuHSg6U
Tim Hyden is the training and safety officer for East Manatee (FL) Fire Rescue and a 19-year veteran of the Florida fire service. He has an associate degree in fire science and an advanced technical certificate in fire science administration, and is a graduate of the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association Emergency Services Leadership Institute. He holds several state certifications through the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training; is a contributing writer to Florida Fire Service and Fire Engineering magazines; and speaks on leadership, motivation, officer development, risk management, and marketing.
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