Sorry to go off topic for a second. We all know what happened in 1776 today, but 150 years ago yesterday, only about 3 hours west and south of where I am, one of the battles that ultimately decided the Civil War came to its climax. At about 2 pm on July 3, 1863, General George Pickett called his men to arms yelling “up you sons of Virginia!” Three Confederate divisions than marched across about a mile of open field into the waiting massed canon and small arms of the Union Army who was perched on a low rise in a very defensible position. They marched in the blazing sun around Gettysburg, PA, in wool uniforms and they were fully exposed. The losses were appalling, but not the worst one day total losses of the war – that honor was reserved for a battlefield in Maryland.

At the end of the day, Lee’s army retreated back to Virginia after estimating their losses for the three day battle at 2,592 killed, 12,709 wounded and 5,150 captured or missing. The Union, the “winners”, estimated its losses at 3,155 dead, 14,529 wounded and over 10,000 captured or missing. All in all, combined casualties for the three day battle were eventually totaled as over 51,000 Americans.

More crushing bad news came to the south 150 years ago today, (while Lee's army was on its retreat and General Meade, in control of the Army of the Potomac, was licking his wounds instead of following as Lincoln wanted), when US Grant received the surrender of the confederate’s last outpost on the Mississippi river, Vicksburg. It would take two more years, and countless lives until the war was truly over. But historians generally agree that it was this day, and the last, 150 years ago, that sealed the deal for the Union.

Enjoy your 4th , stay safe with all of the crazy people on the roads, and remember those who have served!

 

Excellent post. Unfortunately the events of that day and of early spring 1865 are continuing to divide this nation. Just look around, the battles are still going on.

 

+1. Couldn't agree more. Thanks for bringing perspective back into my pointless surfing. Happy fourth to all who fight, or have fought for our great country's independence

 

http://puttinguptheflag.com/

 

the south was right, happy fourth.

 

See, it never ended.

 

Good to know.

 

Great post. Thanks for the short history lesson.

 

Great post! EVERY American should reflect on the meaning of this day. We all need to realize the great sacrifice some men and women made to establish this union we now call The United States of America.
Sadly, in my opinion, it seems the average citizen has not only forgotten but doesn't even seem to care anymore what it means to be a part of this great society. Has it always been heaven??....by no means....BUT;
What has always made this country and system of government great is the fact that the system provides processes to address cultural, economic, legal & social issues as they arise.
The system is designed to respond to those who apply consistent pressure in the pursuit of just causes.