It is difficult to imagine what the organizers of the cemetery dedication expected when they belatedly invited President Lincoln to make “a few appropriate remarks.” After all, Lincoln’s reputation as an orator was primarily based on his political debates during his campaign for the White House.
However, if they did think about it, a few words would have been seen as very likely to be included in the President’s remarks. Those words might have included the following: North, South, Union, Confederate, and victory.
Yet none of these words were contained in the speech that Lincoln delivered. Why?
The main reason is that Lincoln wanted the address to resonate with both sides in this “great civil war.” His “few appropriate remarks” were meant to leave the door open for the secessionists to find their way back into this young nation.
The battle was not to be seen as an epic contest between North and South, with one side winning a great “victory” over an evil enemy Instead it should be remembered as a terrible struggle between brothers, who would eventually have to be reconciled.
After all, the nation was from the beginning conceived by “our fathers,” many of whom were devoted Southerners, and devoted patriots.
Lincoln himself was disappointed that his address did not elicit a more enthusiastic reception at the dedication ceremony. But eventually the speech would be disseminated and would be widely praised in all parts of theountry.
The Gettysburg Address would ultimately be remembered as a timeless testimony to the tragedy of war, and a succinct celebration of the ideals of a democratic nation, both North and South.
By John Rice
former licensed guide
And former park ranger
Gettysburg, PA