Pickett's Charge will be the climactic event of a large re-enactment this weekend outside of park boundaries. On July 3, the actual anniversary of the attack, National Park Service rangers will guide thousands of visitors in loose formation across a gently rolling field. Others will stand where Federal regiments poured rifle and artillery fire into the arc of Confederates.
The event ends with the playing of Taps by multiple musicians, a solemn remembrance of selfless sacrifice by the warriors at Gettysburg.
Times have changed since previous anniversary observances, including the 1938 reunion, at which grizzled veterans of the battle met at Gettysburg one last time in an event known for reconciliation. They shook hands across that famous wall at the Angle. Some let out the haunting Rebel Yell.
The 150th commemoration of the battle will tell a wider story than previous observances, officials told CNN.
My Dad was, aside from being a fine Doctor, was an avid historian. and Gettysburg was of special interest to him. Many family trips and vacations included trips to history Civil War sites. His Father, Caleb Dooley, was in the Civil War and Dad was brought up hearing many stories of the war. Caleb has passed on before I was born, but I can say that my Grandfather served in the Civil War.
