A Few Appropriate Remarks

On November 19, 1863, four and a half months after the Battle of Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln attended the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery. Edward Everett, the principal speaker and one of the greatest orators of his time, addressed the crowd of 20,000 for two hours. A hymn followed, then Lincoln, who had been asked to make "a few appropriate remarks," rose. "With a manner serious almost to sadness," he gave a brief address. Lincoln was unsure how his 272-word, two-minute speech had been received. His masterfully-crafted Gettysburg Address gave new meaning to the conflict, but his words transcended generations, reminding all that "we can never forget what they did here."

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania · United States