Rockford Sun

On November 19, 1863, a dedication ceremony took place at the Gettysburg Soldiers' National Cemetery. The keynote speaker for the event was Edward Everett, a well-known orator and former U.S. Senator. However, despite delivering a two-hour, 13,000-word speech, Everett's words were overshadowed by a much shorter, but far more impactful, address given by President Abraham Lincoln.

At the time, Lincoln's speech, which lasted only two minutes and consisted of 271 words, was initially seen by some as a failure. However, history has shown that it would go on to become one of the most memorable and powerful speeches in American history.

In his address, Lincoln touched upon the nation's founding and the challenges it faced at that moment. He spoke of the significance of dedicating the cemetery but also acknowledged the futility of trying to further honor the ground that had already been sanctified by those who had given their lives there. Lincoln expressed his determination to continue the work for which the fallen soldiers had sacrificed, with the aim of creating a better nation and ensuring the endurance of our unique system of self-government.

"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here," Lincoln stated. "But it can never forget what they did here."

The reaction to Lincoln's speech was initially mixed. The crowd fell into silence, and then scattered applause followed. There are differing accounts as to why the audience responded in this way. Some suggest that they were so deeply moved by the president's words that they were momentarily unable to react. Others speculate that they were taken aback by the brevity of the speech. And there are those who believed that Lincoln's address had simply fallen flat.

Now, 160 years later, the Gettysburg Address is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidential speeches in American history. Its enduring impact and powerful message have made it a symbol of Lincoln's leadership and the values he fought to uphold. Today, on the anniversary of this famous speech, we honor the legacy of Illinois' favorite son, President Abraham Lincoln.

To learn more about the Gettysburg Address and its historical significance, visit the official website of President Lincoln's home state of Illinois at https://presidentlincoln.illinois.gov/visit/whats-inside/exhibits/online-exhibits/gettysburg-address-everett-copy/.

To learn more, click on this link: https://repcabello.com/2023/11/19/gettysburg-address/