Ah, the weather was blissful for the last day the family toured Gettysburg. Mid 60s was so much more comfortable than 90s! After taking it at a slightly leisurely pace, the family headed into Gettysburg for a ranger program in the National Cemetery. The ranger that led the program did a phenomenal job with his program. Mom had taught a class for the homeschool co-op that was called "History STINKS... Literally" in which she used the senses, mainly the nose, to talk about different times of the past. This ranger did a similar thing as he talked about the aftermath of the war. Even Jane commented that hearing that there were so many flies on a white picket fence that it looked like it was black and alive from the flies that were on it from all the death and decay, was not at all what we think when we picture all the dead bodies in our minds. He talked about a man named Edward Everett who was an orator during the time of the civil war and how he gave a 2+ hour speech when the cemetery was dedicated. It was after this speech that Lincoln got up to give his Gettysburg Address. The family learned that Lincoln's address was not well received by those who heard it. They expected it to be more like Everett's. Mom is interested in trying to find Everett's speech to read. Apparently he spent months researching and learning about the area and the war in preparation for his speech. But, ultimately as Lincoln delivered his address to the friends, families and loved ones of the dead and told them that this battle was not of great importance compared to what we need to carry out in the future, it seemed to not acknowledge the soliders' sacrifice in the way the families had hoped.
After this program, the family looked around a little and found the section dedicated to the Ohio soldiers. Next, they went to the PA monument in the park to watch members of the living history program. They fired a canon two times and explained how it was all orchestrated. They saw different shells and learned what they would have been used for. But, the part that the family seemed to like the most was the medical tent the living history group had set up. It was so educational! The doctors of the time were not butchers as they are often portrayed. (Although they did throw the amputated limbs out the window...) And, some of the medical advancements that were figured out during the 4 years of battle are still in use today. Perhaps the biggest is the method's of triage that we use today.
At this time, Mom and Dad wanted to do a 90 minute hike of history, or walk the battlefield walks, but the kids revolted. In an attempt to avoid another war, Mom and Dad to them to Mr. Ed's Elephant and Candy shop. Mom and Dad did not think it was as cool as they hoped it would be but since there was candy, the kids were happy with it. Jane wanted to visit "The Land of Little Horses" but there was not much time left before they closed. Dad drove in the lot in hopes they could catch a glimpse of them from there but as any good company that makes money from viewing cute animals does, they did not make them visible from the parking lot. So close... but not close enough.
The family went back to the campground for a leisurely night. Aidan and Riley went in the pool despite the cooler temps. They seemed to have a lot of fun! Mom and Jane colored some. Then they built a camp fire (perfect weather for it!) . They finished the movie they started earlier and then all turned in. I was a great day!
The trip was wonderful and they all would come back again. It was one of the top rated trips from the kids. It is always good when they want to go back. For now, I will get packed back in my cabinet and wait for the next great adventure with my family.
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