Gettysburg

One-hundred-and-fifty years ago today, a terrible, three-day battle began.  In hindsight, it would be known as the turning point in the greatest cataclysm to befall our nation in its history. By the time it was over in the countryside around a Pennsylvania crossroads town, Gettysburg would be transformed into “hallowed ground” with the blood of fifty-thousand Americans.

On the eve of the anniversary of our country’s birth, it is well that we recall the time, as then-President Abraham Lincoln famously put it, four-score and seven years later when it almost came undone.

Such perspective is particularly needed as we consider whether, and how, to contend with the various crises and tribulations of our own era – and all they portend for the future of our republic and the freedoms we hold dear.