This week the Gettysburg Foundation’s Professional Leadership Development team hosted a group of Recon Marines at Gettysburg National Military Park, where they experienced the historical lessons of the battlefield and their personal connection to Gettysburg as U.S. service members. Led by Navy Chaplain Jamin Bailey, who has ancestral ties to the Battle of Gettysburg, the 2nd Recon Marines toured the battlefield, explored the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center and visited the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital. The group also viewed Civil War artifacts with Gettysburg Foundation Interim President David Malgee.
In the nearly 161 years since the Civil War immortalized Gettysburg in the hearts and minds of Americans, the battlefield has served as a place for people to visit and learn about their shared and individual history. This is especially true for members of the United States Military.
“When warriors visit Gettysburg, they see common elements, make connections and affirm lessons that they have been taught throughout their training,” said Bailey when speaking about Gettysburg’s relevance to today’s soldiers. “There are relevant military and leadership lessons to be learned here. Gettysburg instills modern U.S. service members with the legacy we carry when we learn about those who fought here and the price they paid.”
During their visit, the Marines were told the story of PFC Paul Heller, a young Marine buried in Gettysburg National Cemetery. Private Heller was 15 years old when he was killed in action at the Battle of Guadalcanal in October 1942, having used forged documents to enlist in the military when he was only 14. Today, his legacy and thousands of others under the care of the National Park Service continue to fulfill the purpose of the parks at Gettysburg, where our Nation’s warriors, veterans and civilians can learn and be inspired by their stories.
“It speaks to the culture of the United States that from the very earliest days young men—in some cases too young—did the “wrong thing” to serve a higher purpose and be a part of something greater than themselves,” said Bailey. “That culture is certainly seen in the Marines that are with me today.”
“The Gettysburg Foundation is honored to host military groups, like the 2nd Recon Marines, where our service men and women can experience the lessons of the Gettysburg battlefield, and through which we can benefit from our interaction with these patriotic and dedicated soldiers, sailors and marines,” said Gettysburg Foundation Interim President David Malgee. “It was a special privilege for me to welcome these defenders of our nation’s freedom to the hallowed ground where their predecessors fought and died for what President Lincoln called, a New Birth of Freedom.”
To learn how your team—military, corporate, students or leaders—can experience Gettysburg’s timeless leadership lessons in an immersive, customized leadership experience on the Gettysburg battlefield, visit GettysburgFoundation.org/Leadership-Development or call the Gettysburg Foundation Professional Leadership Development team at 717-339-2154.