Gettysburg College students, faculty, and staff just missed a torrential rainstorm that stopped just prior to their Annual First-Year Walk last night.
The walk, which led from the college chapel to the Gettysburg National Cemetery on Baltimore Pike, recreated the path that taken in 1863 by members of the college community who accompanied President Abraham Lincoln to the cemetery where he delivered the Gettysburg Address.
The parade was led by horse-mounted officers from the Gettysburg Police Department.
Please view the slideshow of the event.
The Gettysburg Bullets Marching band played at high volume and the students cheered as they passed through the Gettysburg Square
Matthew Moen, president of the Gettysburg Foundation, spoke at the event, mixing historical references with advice and encouragement for the freshman class.
Moen told students “they faced daunting challenges,” asked them “to take full advantage,” and advised them “that the faculty will never be able to teach you all you need to know in this world, but they will teach you how to learn.”
“Lincoln’s clear ability to think critically, write well, distill complex ideas, and communicate effective are skills that you will develop here,” he said.
Moen said he had travelled more than 26,000 miles in the last couple years, appearing 38 times to discuss ways to improve civility in American life.
Gettysburg Mayor Theodore Streeter welcomed the incoming class and presented Cynthia (Thia) Anyaoku ’23 with a key to the city.
The freshman class is made up of 704 students, including 31 international and 14 transfer students.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.