4th of July.

[dforeman]

I thought this was appropriate since tomorrow is the 4th.

In celebrating tomorrow, take a moment to remember that on this day July 3rd (149 years ago) over 15,000 men lost their lives walking across this field all within a couple of hours.
http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp18 ... CF0214.jpg

In total between July 1st and July 3rd, they estimated that there were between 46,000 to 51,000 casualties. So, it is real difficult to imagine what this field must have looked like 149 years ago in payment for the feedoms we enjoy today.

[swampgator]

149 years? We already celebrated our 200th birthday in 1976. Please clear up the confusion. Thanks.

[jimthej]

He's talking about the battle of Gettysburg.

[swampgator]

Thanks, Jim. I didn't pick up why the Gettysburg battle was relevant to July 4, but after re-reading, I figured it out. thanks.

[dforeman]

Correct. The 200th anniversary was in 1976. An event celebrated on July 4th as being the day of the signing of the declaration of independence in 1776. I guess it really is a coincidence it is also a significant day in history as the day after the three day battle of Gettysburg (149 years ago) and a turning point in the civil war. So, in reality it is a celebration/commemoration of two very significant events in US History.

I guess I tend to see more of the civil war era being that I live fairly close to the Gettysburg area. Usually at this time of year (July 1st to the 4th), the town of Gettysburg and some of the surrounding area is loaded with re-enactors and visitors alike. Yesterday I could here the cannon's firing in tribute.