Synopsis
This award-winning 50 minute DVD brings to life not only Lincolns famous speech, but also the major events leading up to the Civil War, a comprehensive background on Lincolns life and a summary of the Gettysburg Battle itself. The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the American Civil War as well as the small crossroads town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Because the three day battle left over 51,000 casualties in its wake, many of the soldiers who died in Gettysburg had to be buried there. Therefore, a new national cemetery was established and a dedication ceremony was planned. Edward Everett, a renowned orator, was scheduled to give the keynote address. President Lincoln was also asked to make a speech, but his reputation for being too witty or frivolous at solemn occasions made officials wary. Fearing the worst, they asked him to make a few appropriate remarks! Beginning with the familiar phrase, Four score and seven years ago those few remarks came to be known as one of the most famous and most quoted speeches in American history -- The Gettysburg Address, given by Lincoln in just two minutes on the afternoon of Thursday, November 19, 1863 at the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery at Gettysburg. Also included are two bonus sections featuring a present day re-enactment tribute to the Battle plus a rare historical reenactment film featuring Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address and a discussion of his speech made by local community members. This DVD is a must for any Civil War buff, historian, homeschooler or teacher to own. Plus, it is a great way to celebrate President's Day!