Gettysburg’s History: Gettysburg Address

Joe Lyons • October 24, 2024

Part 5 of 5

Gettysburg’s History: Gettysburg Address

October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: A group of 38 students, parents, and staff from Genesis Christian Academy recently embarked on a field trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for a hands-on educational experience, aimed at deepening their understanding of American history. Led by History teacher Kenneth Hammontree and historian Tyler Rice, the trip was a living lesson in one of the most crucial battles of the Civil War. Departing early Friday at 6:00 a.m., the group visited key sites, including the exact spot where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the iconic Gettysburg Address.

The field trip was more than just an excursion—it was designed to engage students in active learning. At the location where Lincoln gave his famous speech in 1863, the students were invited to recite the Gettysburg Address, an exercise meant to connect them with the emotional and historical weight of the moment. This act of recitation allowed students to walk in the footsteps of history, while bringing alive the principles of equality, liberty, and sacrifice that were at the heart of Lincoln’s brief but powerful address.

A Lesson in American Ideals

Delivered on November 19, 1863, just months after the bloody Battle of Gettysburg, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is regarded as one of the most significant speeches in American history. Although it lasted only about two minutes, the address summarized the purpose of the war and redefined the struggle in terms of national unity and the principles upon which the country was founded. Lincoln honored the fallen soldiers and reminded the nation that the conflict was not just a battle for territory, but for the survival of democracy itself.

Hammontree and Rice used the occasion to discuss the battle’s pivotal role in shaping the course of the Civil War. They highlighted how the battle, which took place over three days from July 1-3, 1863, resulted in a decisive Union victory that shifted the war’s momentum. The site of the battle, with its memorials and carefully preserved landscapes, remains a place of reflection and learning, reminding students of the cost of war and the enduring nature of the American democratic experiment.

“The Gettysburg Address wasn’t just a speech about the past; it was a vision for the future,” Hammontree said. “By having our students recite it where Lincoln stood, we wanted them to feel the weight of those words and understand that the fight for freedom and equality is an ongoing struggle.”

A Visit to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery

Following their time at the site of the address, the group explored the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, the first national cemetery in the United States, which was established to bury Union soldiers who died in the battle. Surrounded by monuments, gravestones, and memorials, the cemetery is a solemn reminder of the sacrifice made by thousands of soldiers during one of the Civil War’s most crucial confrontations.

Hammontree and Rice led discussions on the significance of the cemetery, both as a place of rest for the fallen and as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to preserving the Union. Lincoln’s address, they explained, was part of the dedication ceremony for the cemetery, forever linking the address with the landscape of Gettysburg.

“Standing in the cemetery, it becomes clear that the war wasn’t just about North vs. South—it was about ensuring that the values of democracy and freedom could survive,” said Rice. “This is a place where history feels alive, where the past speaks to the present in a powerful way.”

A Lasting Impact on Students

The field trip to Gettysburg is expected to have a lasting educational impact on Genesis Christian Academy students. Many of the students shared how the experience of walking through history changed the way they viewed the Civil War and Lincoln’s legacy. Some students were particularly moved by standing at the site where Lincoln delivered his speech, calling it “inspiring” and “eye-opening.”

“The field trip gave us a chance to experience history in a way that textbooks just can’t,” said one student. “It was incredible to think that we were standing where President Lincoln once stood and to imagine what it must have been like.”

As the day ended and the group boarded their buses back home, the consensus was clear: the field trip had not only expanded their historical knowledge but also deepened their appreciation for the principles that continue to shape the nation.

For Genesis Christian Academy, this trip to Gettysburg was more than just an educational outing; it was an opportunity to instill a sense of history, patriotism, and civic responsibility in their students. By exploring one of the most hallowed grounds in American history, the students were reminded of the cost of freedom and the enduring significance of the ideals upon which the United States was founded.

This hands-on approach to learning underscores the Academy’s commitment to providing immersive educational experiences that go beyond the classroom. The trip will undoubtedly resonate with students for years to come.