Where did the battle of Gettysburg start? Was it Mcpherson’s farm? Let me check my notes. Oh, yes! I believe I have that written down seven times, so it bust be. The picture’s not too bad for as fast as the bus was traveling.
This was a very sobering trip. To be where the battles actually took place and so many men lost their lives was v
ery emotional. I have deep admiration and respect for people who believe so strongly in something that they would die and kill like this in order to attain a life for others that they themselves will never live to see. Those trying to sucede felt that their rights were being threatened, and those fighting against them were fighting desperately to keep the integrity of this country intact. What would have happened if it ended differently? Thank God it didn’t.
It makes me shudder to think that we killed each other during this war. Brothers against brothers, fathers against sons, neighbor against neighbor. How strong their convictions!
This is a headstone I saw in the soldiers’ cemetery. There were six killed from the unit from Illinois. The name on it is Jacob J. Noel. My grandfather was a Noel and
he was from Carlisle, Illinois. I’m going to research this to see if it is family. I believe the chances are great that it is.
In first grade we do not teach the Civil War. However, we do read many books. I am glad that I now have the knowledge and background to be able to better explain things to my students. One of their favorite book series is the Magic Tree House series. They always have questions about the time they are reading about. Now I am more confident with the answers and discussions.
