Somebody hit me with the stupid stick. I waited until today to make my hotel reservation for next week's 160th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. By God's grace I got the last room in the hotel. Gettysburg, by the way, is the gateway drug to the Civil War. Once you've visited the battlefield, you will be hooked for life. I'm eager to attend several talks being hosted this year by the Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center (of which I am a member).
This is just a sample of the activities and talks you can attend.
The Seminary Ridge Museum is located in the famous Lutheran Seminary, which saw heavy fighting on the first and last days of the battle. Its historic cupola features prominently in the movie Gettysburg. Check this out:
I've had the experience of standing in this very cupola twice. Between now and then, I'll be rereading my books on the battle. These include:
I read a lot of military history, not just about the Civil War. The books pictured above are some of the best history I have ever read. They rank right up there with Thucydides, Tacitus, and Gibbon's Rise and Fall. Their characterization of historical figures is so good that you feel like you know them intimately. Meade -- the Rodney Dangerfield of the battle -- especially gets the credit he deserves for fighting a brilliant battle.
The only downside to this year's commemoration is the news that Little Round Top is still closed due to renovation. Oh well. A reason to visit Gettysburg again next year.