Just curious...Do you think the war for Freedom is
162 years ago today, the Battle of Gettysburg was fought — the bloodiest battle in American history.
More than 7,000 soldiers were killed. Over 51,000 became casualties in just three days of unimaginable violence. We remember those lives today with deep sorrow — not just for the scale of the loss, but for why it happened.
Despite all attempts then and now to cloud the truth, the record is clear. The Articles of Secession, the speeches of Confederate leaders — they all point to one cause: the preservation of slavery. The right to hold power over other human beings, to control their lives, their labor, their bodies.
“The thing worse than rebellion is the thing that causes rebellion.” — Frederick Douglass
“It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced… that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” — Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address
It is heartbreaking to think that so many lives — so much potential, so much suffering — were sacrificed in the name of keeping others in bondage. I could not imagine sending people to die so that I could continue to exert full power over another person’s freedom. Yet, that is exactly what happened.
As we reflect on Gettysburg today, let us honor the fallen by telling the truth about the past — and by working toward a future where no life is ever again lost in the defense of oppression.
We owe them that much.
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The Battle of Gettysburg remains a pivotal moment in American history, marking both a turning point in the Civil War and a somber reminder of the cost of oppression. Fought over three days in July 1863, this conflict resulted in staggering casualties, with over 7,000 soldiers killed and more than 51,000 wounded or missing. The battle's scale and brutality illustrated the high stakes of the war that sought to define the nation’s future. Central to understanding the war is recognizing its core cause: the institution of slavery. Despite past attempts to obscure this truth, historical records such as the Articles of Secession and Confederate leaders’ speeches make clear that preserving slavery was the Confederacy’s main objective. This fight was not just for territory or political control but was a struggle over human rights and freedom—the very essence of dignity and equality. Frederick Douglass poignantly noted, "The thing worse than rebellion is the thing that causes rebellion," highlighting how the injustice of slavery inevitably led to the conflict. Meanwhile, President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address called for a "new birth of freedom," underscoring the ongoing work needed to realize a government "of the people, by the people, for the people." Today, commemorating Gettysburg involves honoring those who sacrificed their lives and also embracing the hard truths of history. It is a call to ensure that such suffering is never repeated in defense of oppression. Modern reflections continue to recognize the importance of confronting past injustices openly and using these lessons to foster a society founded on genuine equity and freedom for all individuals. Understanding Gettysburg within this context enriches our appreciation of American history and its ongoing impact on contemporary social justice movements. It ensures that the sacrifices made are not forgotten, and that the pursuit of truth and justice remains a central commitment to build a better future.
