Martin Sheen, Sam Waterston & The Gettysburg Address (on location!!!) History Traveler Episode 346

When it comes to the Gettysburg battlefield, there's no place that's more important than Cemetery Hill. This is the high ground that the Army of the Potomac fought to defend and that the Army of Northern Virginia tried to take in July of 1863. It's also where President Lincoln delivered one of the most famous speeches of all time. While at The Gettysburg Film Festival, we received an invitation from The Adams County Historical Society to film a special moment where the Gettysburg Address was delievered with Martin Sheen, who played Robert E. Lee in the movie Gettysburg, and Sam Waterston, who both played Lincoln and voiced him in Ken Burns' "The Civil War". Enjoy.
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
Learn more about The Gettysburg Film Festival here: gettysburgfilmfestival.org
Support the effort to expand history education on PATREON: / historyunderground
Other episodes that you might enjoy:
- A Hidden Corner of Gettysburg & a Chat with Ken Burns | History Traveler Episode 345: • A Hidden Corner of Get...
- Little Bighorn: Custer's Last Stand w/ Jocko & Leif | History Traveler 344: • Little Bighorn: Custer...
- Little Bighorn: The Desperate Defense of Reno Hill (w/Jocko Willink) | History Traveler Episode 343: • Little Bighorn: The De...
- Little Bighorn: Prelude to the Last Stand w/ Jocko & Leif | History Traveler Episode 341: • Little Bighorn: Prelud...
- A German Village DESTROYED By Artillery Fire in WWII (with a WWII Vet!!!)| History Traveler Ep. 338: • A German Village DESTR...
All drone shots conducted by a Part 107 licensed drone pilot.

[@ThatGuy-2882]

The words of the Gettysburg Address need to be taken sacred and should be essential for our youth to know and understand again. Without remembering our past we doom ourselves in repeating it

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed.

[@Calatriste54]

So well said.. Bravo !

[@truckinleprechaunscottcask9747]

I often say the same thing about history. We can see how it is starting to repeat with the current wars going on overseas.

[@MrWhitelightning73]

That’s why today’s “left” is trying so desperately to erase and change history.

[@danielmurdock3086]

Propaganda...."By the people and for the people" is true for the South who VOTED in large majorities to leave....Hundreds of thousands of lives would have been saved if they could have just left and let people choose their own gov....The result is an out of control federal government that turned their concept of total war onto their own citizens and the so called hero union generals went on to take these lessons and commit genocide on the plains indians...The growth if federal power we are paying the price for today....

[@davidphillips7321]

That was SO MOVING - Thank You, Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen Gentlemen, Stay Safe and Remember OUR Presidents and Veteran's...Who Gave All...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@jasonlindholm5938]

Sheen and Waterston are excellent actors and lovers of history

[@jamesthompson3099]

When I was in middle school, we were required to memorize the speech. I can still recite the majority of it by heart. It moved me that much. That was almost 65 years ago. I thank the folks that designed that history course. ❤

[@BillUlmer]

Me as well.

[@danielmurdock3086]

Required more like indoctrinated

[@jamesthompson3099]

@@danielmurdock3086 Either way I seriously recommend it. 😁

[@jimplummer4879]

This is why I love History and President Lincoln.

[@mamab4211]

I don’t know why, but the story of hold Lincoln’s pockets content just brought me to tears and gave me goosebumps. Great great video JD!!! 🫶🏼🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@DRAGONSLAYER1220]

An amazing story. Wish I could've seen the look on Waterston's face when that happened!

[@mattpiepenburg8769]

Martin and Sam are true gents and legends in their crafts.

[@mikelamb828]

My high school history teacher made us memorize this speech. I have always thought it is so great that Lincoln was wrong in his speech, his words "LIVE" and will live as long as America lives.

[@user-yi7lj2xh2j]

If more actors did this, and our children were taught the truth, our country would be heading in the right direction.

[@kevinsmith5288]

Thanks for this great video! In 1963, my dad, who was a big Civil War buff, took us to Gettysburg in July of that year for the one hundredth anniversary of the battle. I was just a kid, so don't remember a lot, but it was a very hot and humid day! He passed on his love for history to me.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow!

[@DonAbrams-hq7ln]

I was there too, lwas 13 and was so surprised to handle a real Springfield that maybe was used a100 years ago.

[@David-tm8sl]

What a special treat! The greatest speech ever given.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@neilmcphee1554]

@David-tm8sl the greatest speech ever given was the sermon on the mount by Jesus Christ. God bless

[@GrandmaRose9000]

That was lovely. I love Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston. This really touched my heart. Thank you. God bless our precious democracy.

[@jtroy483]

17:22 “The contents of Lincoln’s pockets on the night he was shot.” WOW. That hit hard.

[@CigarManGarth]

Thank you to all for participating on this very special day. That was a complete privilege and an honor to watch this.

[@jeffleaf3901]

The Gettysburg Address is Abraham Lincoln's best speech. It's short but very powerful and beautiful.

[@CycoWarriorx]

A lot of Lincoln’s words still have meaning today… powerful… solemn… and heartfelt over what he - and they experienced… 🥃

[@BekindRewind71]

I met Martin Sheen in Yugoslavia in the 80’s-what a gentleman!

[@Prellium]

I have loved Sam Waterston since seeing him in The Killing Fields in the 1980s, this was such a treat to see. Thank you JD.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Heck of a nice guy.

[@michaelmclaren7373]

Unfortunately, few remember now what Edward Everett said in his two hours of speaking before Lincoln added his focused “appropriate remarks,” in a speech he said “wouldn’t scour.” While it wasn’t immediately celebrated, by those there or in the papers, the gracious Everett knew Lincoln had done in a few short minutes what he hadn’t managed in two. Thank you for your inspired reading, Sam and for sharing this special piece with us, JD.

[@seminolewar]

Not quite true that nobody remembers. My grandparents told me about that and how Edward Everett took Lincoln's speech to the newspapers afterwards and made it famous by being published everywhere.

[@Jerry-fn5nx]

As Sam reads that I can almost hear Ashokan Farewell playing in the background. Never get tired of hearing that speech. My dad made me memorize it when I was 8 years old lol

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@pegedey1291]

Breathtaking. Mr Sheen thank you for getting Mr Waterston there to do that soul touching reading. It is a masterful piece of speechwriting.

[@rvt2239]

Martin Sheen visited my college when I was there years ago. He was very kind and humble. I've been a fan ever since.

[@melissapollom427]

Oh God I would faint in the presence of these two legendary actors.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@moonlampje79]

Sam the man…❤ he’s been my hero since I first saw him in law and order. So awesome to see him in this video❤

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@miketaylorID1]

grown man of 57 unapologetically weeping. with these words - spoken so simply and elegantly - this nation transformed from “These United States” plural to The United States; singular. Lincoln brought us together to stand as one. i love this nation. and i love that place in south central Pennsylvania. thanks to all involved. truly inspiring

[@neeterb5584]

I had a wonderful teacher in the 5th grade, Mrs Queen. A requirement of her class was to memorize the Gettysburg Address (and the Preamble to the Constitution and the beginning of the Declaration of Independence). To this day, 60 years later, every time I hear the Gettysburg Address I repeat it in my head. I understand the foundation of our democratic republic and consider myself a patriot.

[@zekesgirl100]

My sixth grade teacher was a history buff. I memorized it for her. That was in 1969.

[@nanabutner]

You had a great teacher, just as I did with Mr. James Rodriguez in fifth grade as well. We learned the Gettysburg address Patrick Henry statement, the preamble to the constitution and several poems that I still remember today. We were lucky they don’t teach things like that anymore.. Our country has lost so much since we were in 5th grade.

[@petermaerkel9140]

Great stuff here, J.D.! Sam and Martin seem to be just great people.

[@roygarciaazborn64]

It just left me in awe the words of the Gettysburg speech read by Mr. Waterston. Even though I've heard it before I never paid full attention to it. But man, the words so eloquently written is a poetic masterpiece. It a stark reminder that weather friend or foe we are human beings and as such should be honored for the sacrifices made.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@duanelawrence78]

Wow that made me cry thanks for sharing!!✌️🇺🇲

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@joeyfmd]

Thank you. Martin and Sam, thank you from us all.

[@beckybanta126]

So moving. So special. Tears of gratitude for all who died & not in vain. Thank you for bringing us along, all the pictures & drone views, & hearing these 2 fine actors. What a story about trip to Library of Congress. Back in the '60s in high school we had to memorize the Gettysburg Address. I have never regretted it. God bless America.🇺🇸

[@rogerwa123]

This was very touching. Sam seemed to be moved and emotional in his remarks. This was touching because I feel this personally. This is my history. This is the legacy left for me. As a natural born American I realize the special gift I was given and I cherish it. This country, though imperfect, works to rectify its mistakes. The civil war impacted everyone in this country in the fight to rectify our imperfections. Hundreds of thousands gave their lives to recognize the inherent humanity in all of us regardless of color. Many immigrants to this country recognize the gift they have in becoming a part of this country and they pay it back by carrying it forward. Many, however, including natural born citizens do not recognize the gift and either are ignorant, apathetic, or even work to undermine it. These folks have always been a part of our history but we have always been stronger.

[@katiemyers4174]

Looks like a small ceremony for the 160th anniversary of the Address? Small crowd. I'm glad you were there to capture and share this with us.

[@angelahartley3212]

This brought me to tears!! I loved every second of this!!! Thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@judygrandstrand9784]

What a beautiful voice to repeat those sacred words.

[@user-kf8tb9nm7k]

Wow!!…. That was great!! The Gettysburg Address has always was touching, but was the most touching of all. Thanks JD

[@kevinfreeland8712]

Awesome video as always!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@EricRush]

I was pleased to hear the closing words of the address spoken with emphasis on "people" rather than on "of" as so many recite it. Years ago, I heard a Cincinnati newsman tell of when he was a boy and heard on the radio an interview with a man who was in the audience when Lincoln gave the address. That old man said that Lincoln stressed the word "people" all three times it occurs in the closing line.

[@plkangus]

Thanks you so much for this! Misters Waterston and Sheen are national treasures, and their portrayals of our forbears bring us closer to understanding our past.

[@bethluther3950]

Wonderful presentation …. It continues to move me to tears and humbles me when I think of the awesomeness of the speech - and to hear Sam Waterson deliver it in such a respectful manner!

[@mdm6098]

Gettysburg and Antietam. My 2 favorite places to visit. This video has inspired me to take the trip from Wahington Pa which is famous for the Whiskey rebellion.

[@ruthirace4134]

Wow . . . what a moving episode. Thank you for sharing it with us, it means alot. You make it happen like we're walking along beside rediscovering our history!

[@sportcardcollector9599]

Wow this was really awesome thanks for sharing 🇺🇲

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@deborahgibson9039]

Legends....Martin and Sam! Everytime I hear Lincoln's address being read, it brings tears to my eyes! But it is exceptional to hear it from Sam where it was originally read by our sixteenth president. Thanks so much JD for this video..👏

[@chuckwilson8006]

What a wonderful story from Sam Waterston about his trip to the Library of Congress. Thanks for recording this and sharing it with us.

[@nimitz1739]

19:03 Gary actually with nothing to say. Pretty touching

[@pauldouglas3084]

Really enjoyed the video mate can't wait for the next one

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Wreckdiver59]

I don't think it could have been done any better 👍 Thanks for being there to catch it on video.

[@elizabethmckenna5397]

This moved me to tears. Thank you so much for this. Hearing these words is as important today as they were then.

[@greenmtroamer33]

More then ever does this mean more to this country and to her people.

[@marywells1480]

This is one of the most important speeches, and most memorable, in our history. I watched the historian and thought about that murderous 3-day battle, and the lives of so many Americans, Union and Confederate, who died. The Gettysburg Address is a speech every school should teach and why it’s so important. My thanks to Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston for their part in the video. Also to Sam Waterston’s recital of the speech and his beautiful telling of his visit to the Library of Congress when he began researching Lincoln to portray him in the movie “Gettysburg”. The ending filled me with an awe that has yet to dissipate. Oh, to have had that experience.

[@NickyB0718]

Very awesome to witness that and to share it with us JD. Thank you.

[@rogerminter3599]

We as a people need this. Thank you.

[@vickistevens423]

A beautifully moving rendition of the Gettysburg Address. Thank you, everyone, for organizing this incredible event and moving tribute.

[@marypasco2213]

W*O*W! Sam Waterston's story 😭

[@shimaohana]

The reading of the address by Sam Waterson was great, but when he told the story of that person who put the contents of Lincoln’s pocket the night he was shot, was absolutely moving. Thank you so much for sharing this historic moment. My GGG Grandfather was a 3 term congressman in the 1860s. The family has been told he was a colleague and friend of Lincoln and one of the few on the train carrying his body. Family lore perhaps, if love to find out if it’s true. I throughly enjoy learning more about this time in our country.

[@cyndiebill6631]

Well done JD. These Gentlemen are wonderful actors and human beings. I learned the Gettysburg address when I was it high school over 50 yrs ago. Of all the things I had to remember in my US history class this is the one thing I will always remember and what it stood for. Great video as always👍😊

[@dcrickerson7611]

Now this was very special! Thank you.

[@WFMeyer]

Man JD, that touched deep. Thank you.

[@jolenehendrickson8915]

Sam portrayed Lincoln the best!!

[@judezero572]

JD as a non American, but a lover of history and trivia, your videos are wonderful. I have enjoyed every path you have taken and at times I felt that I was really walking with you as you took us on your journeys. The last two videos have been my favourites as they have involved two people I greatly admire, the wonderful Ken Burns and Sam Waterson. Ken for the brillant documentaries that tell not only the important moments, but all so the human side and often the normal people whose lives were often greatly effected by these events like in Civil War. Sam, well he is just a wonderful actor, who I could listen to him until the cows come home. As my grandmother would say. Thank you

[@michae8jackson378]

WOW, always a moving speech. And to have them do this...Stunning!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad that we could share it. :)

[@Kelvis1977]

Absolutely MAGNIFICENT ❣️✨️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸✨️✝️😇

[@sandramosley2801]

Important. Exquisite. Teaching. Historic. So much shown that allows you to, as Garry Adelman said, helps you to see what you are comfortably familiar with, with new eyes and greater understanding we could not have received any other way. Bravo. Now, let me watch this again!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! So glad that you enjoyed it. Feel free to share it out!

[@steelpaine9932]

I love this so much. I was at Gettysburg last week, walked in this area. 2nd time I was there and will go again, if able, any number of times I possibly can. You can't help but be moved by what happened on that hallowed ground. Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston, class acts always.

[@amandabrant9807]

It’s so awesome that you were able to be there and to document the experience.

[@jeffe9842]

Very moving video. While I obviously like the videos from other locations, I never get tired of your Gettysburg videos, JD.

[@roberthurley1685]

OUTstanding, sir. i've been looking forward to seeing your take on this moment and it adds beautifully to this story, along with the others that have shared. Your being able to be present with those people at that time is proof you're doing it right. Outstanding.

[@greggriffin1]

Always great content, thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Much appreciated!

[@thomashudgins996]

JD thank you so much for sharing this with us. I was mesmerized by the Ken Burns documentary and this special reading does so again. However, It was slightly strange for me to see Mr. Sheen and Mr. Waterston together in such a somber setting after watching their performance in Frankie and Grace. What a pair they are!

[@Josh.T.H.]

Just amazing. And the story he told about being handed the contents of Lincoln's pockets... my knees may have buckled if I were in his shoes. Like always, thank you for the video!!

[@RLS-bu4bj]

This was beautiful

[@martineokeeffe9326]

Powerfully moving. Thank you for recording and posting this.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lindaangus2307]

This was beautiful. Thank you Mr. Waterston for the reading and your personal story. Many of us will probably never get to Gettysburg so thank you.

[@jimmyhorton8297]

My goodness, has to be one of the greatest speeches ever written. And to be able to hold the contents of Lincoln’s pockets, how special is that? I’ve visited many, many battlefields and stood in what I consider to be some sacred places, but I would give a lot to have been there to hear Sam read that speech. Great video, thanks for that, good stuff.

[@cosmodog4845]

Excellent, regards from Scotland. Thank you.

[@crosmas]

Powerful and moving. Everything about that idea was right, good one Martin and well done everyone there.

[@craigc828]

Straight up one of your best videos. Nuff said. All time fave? The one where you get pizza delivered to the US Navy ship...the look on your daughter's face was priceless. All your content is awesome, but these are the ones that stand out to me. Cheers from Toronto, Canada.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Appreciate that.

[@JoeNicks389]

What a wonderful video, I've only been to Gettysburg once in my life, I just turned 80, and will never forget that hallowed ground. I am hoping that I can take my grandsons there this fall, they need to know what happened there so long ago. And to read the "Address" to understand how great Lincoln was. Thank you for posting. JN

[@salliannebrown8129]

That was... Amazing and moving.

[@marypasco2213]

Between you, and The History Guy, !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!❤❤

[@bobgold57]

Thank you for this impromptu masterpiece. ❤

[@jefferyfowler7860]

I was having a bad day but hearing this speech again makes it alright. Great video JD.

[@terryeustice5399]

Thank you JD for this video. Sam Waterson echoed from the location of his speech. Is priceless. And with Tim And Garry. Loved it! ❤️💯👊👍

[@Feline_Frenzy53]

Mr. Waterston had me tearing up there. Wonderful video, JD. Thank you. I had the same thought as you when you said Robert E. Lee on top of Gettysburg. Two fine men and great actors.

[@SugarWildflower-si4ox]

Thank you History Underground as well as I love the BattleField Trust … they all do a great job of fighting to preserve civil war battle fields from being sold for subdivisions, strip malls, factories. We must save our hallowed grounds from being piece meal gone forever. Reading the Gettysburg Address at the sight of Where Lincoln spoke that speech on hallowed ground Cemetery Hill is such a beautiful thing. Sam Waterson reading the address and describing the Lincoln Library for research to play Lincoln was a gift. Martin Sheen who played Robert E. Lee finally on top of cemetery hill was so perfect for the day. 😂 Never forget our history.

[@johnellis6959]

Wow, what a treat. I generally enjoy Martin Sheen’s work, regardless of his politics. But Sam Waterson is just iconic, I spent so many years watching him on Law and Order and all his other work. Not that they compare to the WWII veterans you’ve had on the series or all the experts, but it’s something different. Thank you again.

[@SandyD2022]

Beautiful!

[@nplacemksd]

Thank you

[@robfassinger9412]

Your Video's just keep getting better. So much Information and great History, something we should never forget !!

[@jeff2178]

Absolutely AMAZING

[@joemabry9643]

Wow! Thank you.

[@kenfriess7508]

What a wonderful episode! Well done!

[@melissapollom427]

When I have some down time when I'm there I will walk around Cemetery Hill and then to Culps Hill. I just love those two places.

[@danielnott8753]

Wow. Glad you grabbed that last conversation as well.

[@joanhamilton2651]

So moving. Thank you!

[@johnwelsh2769]

FANTASTIC!

[@denniskzs1334]

What a wonderful video. Was a pleasure to watch

[@ShirleyMalia]

WOW!! Thank you so very much ❤

[@nanabutner]

63 years ago I learned the Gettysburg address and I can still remember most of even today after all this time. It is still as moving today as when I learned it and when Abraham Lincoln first spoke those words.