New Zealand Family Reacts to Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address Speech (BEST SPEECH OF ALL TIME?)

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[@tomrennick5130]

*Your family is more American than most Americans. We would be proud to have you come live with us.*

[@wavetranquility4243]

This was such a sad part of our history. President Lincoln was such a genius and he knew we had to come together as a nation and try to forgive and heal. His wisdom is desperately needed now as ever.

[@quasicrystal5166]

Yes. An absolute shame how the democrats put everyone against each other and still focus on race so much. All that is about to change though thankfully.

[@CelticSpiritsCoven]

Lincoln picked a Democrat vice president, who caused lots of problems after his death. He thought that having both sides represented on the ticket would cause him to win. He was right. He won the election. Andrew Johnson. Republicans passed the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which established Negroes as American citizens and forbade discrimination against them, over the veto of Johnson. At least Lincoln was against slavery. But he wasn't very good at it.

[@jchan5210]

The National Union (Republicans) of Lincoln is NOT the Republicans of now. The part of the Gettysburg Address that reads: "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth" is NOT what the current Republicans practice.

[@Tennessee968]

@@jchan5210 No one in government does. You want to point a finger, point it at all of them.

[@CelticSpiritsCoven]

@@jchan5210 There was no magical fairy who came along, waved her magical wand, and changed the parties. Democrats teach this myth because Democrats never admit when they are wrong. They accuse others. Please stop making these complicated American political messages on the comments section of this beautiful family who doesn't know what we are talking about.

[@mothygryphon9111]

Lincoln wrote that speech on the back of an envelope in 15 minutes on the train from Washington to Gettysburg for this event. When he gave the speech, no one applauded when he finished. He thought the audience didnt like the speech. But in truth, they were in stunned silence. He nailed the sentiment of everyone present. They were in awe of the words. A true mic drop moment. Every American school child not only has to study that war and this speech, but when I was in school, we had to memorize it. Amazing that words that took so little time to write are being memorized almost 2 centuries later. This speech was only a small measure of his genius. Lincoln was and is a giant of American history.

[@mycroft16]

Especially in light of the fact that Lincoln in the speech itself feels that history will quickly forget what is being said there. Oh how little he understood the vast import of the words he wrote so quickly.

[@ericross3457]

It is agreed that people did remember the speech longer after, but it is considered a wives tale that he wrote it in only 15 minutes on an envelope on the train ride there. It is actually on executive mansion paper. He also made several edits to the speech, including on the train ride there.

[@j.lebowski3917]

Lincoln writing the address in that manner is a myth. In fact, he had started on the speech while in Washington.

[@saudade2100]

As pointed out, the speech on the back of the envelope thing was not entirely accurate. Lincoln was a trial lawyer, and a very good one. He was very good at tightening up his speech for maximum effect from fewest words. It would be uncharacteristic of him to just throw a speech together. Now what may well be accurate, is Lincoln writing one more edit of the speech on the train. I'm not saying true or not true, but I would find it hard to accept that lincoln got on the train to Gettysburg just starting work on the speech. What I can believe is Lincoln writing the speech, and rewriting, and rewriting, editing, and maybe on the train trying out still another edit of the speech.

[@usafvet100]

His letter to Mrs Bixby on the loss of her 5 sons I can't recite without choking up.

[@anonygent]

Interesting side note: Lincoln's voice was high and relatively soft, so only the first few rows of people heard it. A newspaper reporter who heard it denigrated the speech as simplistic. It wasn't until the speech was printed in the newspapers that people recognized its greatness.

[@almostfm]

People always seem to assume that because Lincoln was huge for that time (6' 4"-nearly a foot taller than the average adult male of the time) that he must have had a deep, booming voice. But everything I've read says that you're correct-people who heard him speak later talked about his high, thin voice.

[@archieletsyouknow5508]

Thank you to our American honorary family from New Zealand

[@alfrede.neuman1257]

Agreed. I also appreciate that while, as kids, their kids might rather be doing something else. But they're learning things. I never had children, but if I did these parents are role models. A guide. Knowledge is power. Dumb is, well, dumb. Wonderful family. Frankly I'm a bit envious. Peace!

[@RAL0981]

Lol

[@alfrede.neuman1257]

@RaL... Why is that funny?

[@MrTech226]

@@RAL0981 ????

[@Zachary_Setzer]

Yes, much love to your family. As a nation defined by belief in a set of values rather than by blood and soil, one could argue you're more American than a significant portion of our natural born citizens.

[@cjpreach]

Gettysburg Address. A Masterpiece.

[@clarenceartman7487]

Indeed - it seems a shame there wasn't a better orator to recite it - this one was really bland - no inflection at all, like a computer was reading it

[@thomascerveny572]

The greatest speech in American history!!! FACT!!!

[@haraldisdead]

Been to Gettysburg many times; I live an hour and so away. That place is HEAVY.

[@user-us5pv8zw3z]

I’m from Boston. I’ve been to Gettysburg twice. There’s still so much more to see. The history is overwhelming at times.

[@tvideo1189]

Edward Everett was the orator that gave the main speech at Gettysburg. Lincoln was asked to provide "closing remarks". Everett's speech lasted over two hours, Lincoln's just two minutes. Here is a quote by Everett the day after: “Permit me also to express my great admiration of the thoughts expressed by you, with such eloquent simplicity and appropriateness. … I should be glad, if I could flatter myself that I came as near to the central idea of the occasion, in two hours, as you did in two minutes.”

[@giveupnow000]

yup

[@eileenk.copeland2979]

So glad you put this on here. I knew Lincoln was not the main speaker but didn't know the particulars. The only other thing I remember from History class is that the newspapers made a big deal about Everett coming but just barely mentioned that the President would also speak.

[@Cricket2731]

Everett was a bit of a windbag. Few remember his speech.

[@tvideo1189]

@@Cricket2731 Actually, in that era Everett was famous on a level comparable to todays "Rock Stars". A VERY distinguished orator. One of (if not the most) famous and skilled public speakers alive at the time. And public expectations were VERY different. Everett was EXPECTED to deliver a long, eloquent address... that is what the people came to see and hear. This was at a time when public entertainment was a lot different than today. Public speaking was at the top of the list. Even famous lawyers gained a tremendous following and people would travel for days to crowd into courtrooms to hear their arguments. The actual expectation that day was the Lincoln too would deliver an address for an hour or two. That is what people came to hear. According to news reports from that time, a lot of people were actually disappointed in Lincoln's short speech. .However, as time passed, the very brevity of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is one of the reasons it was so notable and has aged so well.

[@Cricket2731]

@@tvideo1189, unfortunately, Everett has been forgotten thru the years.

[@Altman1953]

I am 70 years old. My classmates and me learned this speech when I was 12 years old. I can still stand and recite it word for word and every time I do, I cry.

[@paulvamos7319]

It is on par with few others, JFK's and Martin Luther Kings are two more greats!😭 Yes, it is very emotional and I too had to learn this and recite the Pledge every morning! I'm 52 so you graduated high school in 71!👍

[@user-qh9vz9nl7x]

@@paulvamos7319 on a par? you must be kidding me

[@paulvamos7319]

@@user-qh9vz9nl7x Abraham Lincoln was a good ol' man! 😂 No, not finishing it!

[@lizregan1949]

Every single politician should have to take History lessons to remind them why this country has the freedom we have.

[@Louis-qi1gz]

Yes that don't forget Abe Lincoln was a Republican

[@lizregan1949]

@@Louis-qi1gz He was not today's republicans.

[@Louis-qi1gz]

@@lizregan1949 and Shure as hell not to days Dimacrats L R RIGHT? COME BACK WITH SOMETHING GOOD OK THANKS

[@Louis-qi1gz]

@@lizregan1949 and the Dimacrats were the KKK so I guess thay are not today's Dimacrats HUH?

[@joannhunter1034]

When you visit Gettysburg, you can feel the energy on the battlefield. It feels unnerving

[@dingman10able]

How true. I’ve visited the city a number of times. You can absolutely feel the history all around you. It’s really very strange.

[@BestManningBrother]

Yeah, if you step onto the field, it seems like everything is sacred, almost as if the grasses are crying and trees are shivering. The fog that rises every morning seems to hide what had happened so long ago.

[@withacy]

I've been there several times. Although there are monuments everywhere (mostly put up by - or remembering - those who fought there), it's a national park, and that (mostly) keeps out development. You can stand and look across the field of Pickett's Charge, and marvel that young men lined up and marched across the field, on order, with artillery and masses of defenders waiting on them. Their guns held only one shot, and there was nothing to hide behind. They could all see they'd probably die, but the order was given, and they followed it.

[@mycroft16]

Great events alter places. And we seem to possess an innate ability to connect with that change. It's a feeling that can't really be described. You feel it inside every cell. A pull, a call you can't hear.

[@Debaucherousgeek]

I live just a short drive from Gettysburg. I cried the first time I visited there. It IS hallowed ground. 51000 men died there, on both sides. The Gettysburg address always makes me cry too.

[@mascotnet]

.... and five women who were dressed as male soldiers. Some died during the night - two women's voices were heard calling out in anguish amongst the cries of the men dying.

[@badplay156]

It was what I consider one of three most important speeches ever given by an American. The first "I have a dream" by Rev Martin Luther King Jr., the second the Gettysburg address, and the last by JFK, "Ask not what your country can do for you ..." All inspiring speeches by great men.

[@majkus]

At one time, William Jennings Bryan's 'Cross of Gold' speech to the 1896 Democratic convention was so famous that he gave it for decades afterward (there is a recording that Jennings made of part of it in 1923 on KZbin). It is a bit specific to issues of the gold standard and bimetalism which are no longer important; but we might do well to remember this quote: "There are two ideas of government. There are those who believe that if you just legislate to make the well-to-do prosperous, that their prosperity will leak through on those below. The Democratic idea has been that if you legislate to make the masses prosperous their prosperity will find its way up and through every class that rests upon it."

[@hollywoodghostbusters9869]

Abraham, Martin and John. Three of the greatest men in American history.

[@docleadpill5556]

@@majkus Well the democrats are mostly commies now so the middle class is screwed!

[@usafvet100]

I would add FDR'S "Day of infamy" speech and leading the nation in prayer on D Day.

[@Zzyzzyx]

Yes, and they were all shot! 😰

[@melissasimon2690]

If you have an opportunity I highly recommend watching Ken Burns' documentary The Civil War. It's an investment in time,but really worth it. This documentary changed the way documentaries are made. " A list" actors are used for the voices of the people represented and it's beautifully narrated with great music. Btw,I love watching you guys!!❤

[@randyward2766]

I totally agree. Ken Burns really brings home the detail and the emotion of the conflict.

[@badplay156]

I still remember after so many years the line from one soldier's diary. He had received a wound which was always fatal. His entry "I died today".

[@sassymess7111]

YES!!!! Still awesome after all these years. His documentary "THE WAR" is absolutely amazing as well.

[@LJBSullivan]

It's a wonderful documentary, but you really need to be a history buff to invest the time.

[@withacy]

I love this documentary - which is actually more like a mini-series. I've always been a huge history buff, but this was not my era, and I had no interest in the Civil War. Until I watched this series. Each chapter of the series is 90 minutes to 2 hours long - easy bites. When I sat down to watch, the first time, I only meant to watch the first "episode". For those who have seen it, you know it ends with that devastating letter from Sullivan Ballou - I cried for 5 minutes. Then put on part two. The series gives context and history. It features historians with different views and focus. It follows individuals, including a Northern and a Southern soldier. Oh, and if you ever watch Oversimplified's "The American Civil War", it's obvious he watched Ken Burn's Civil War (and kind of misrepresented the bean picking before the battle of Gettysburg). I bought the series and watch it about once a year. It's not just informative and interesting, it's immersive and enjoyable (in a sad sort of way). I still cry over Sullivan Ballou's letter.

[@SickSociety]

I live not too far from Gettysburg here in PA and grew up right across the Delaware river in NJ. We had a class trip to Gettysburg in 8th grade in my school and got to spend all day there. Back then it was the early 90s, so we got to learn about the gruesome nature of the battle, all the details that I’m sure kids aren’t told about today. We went on tours that showed us where limbs were cut off and subsequently piled up outside the buildings that were makeshift medical stations. They were trying to save the lives of the wounded by severing limbs, though most ended up dying of infection. There was no anesthetic, these men suffered if they didn’t get killed immediately. So many died in just this one of so many battles in such a short time in the name of freedom. Freedom is more important than anything. Without it, you have nothing. It’s why us Americans defend it so fiercely. This Gettysburg Address, I memorized it because I was fascinated with President Lincoln ever since I was a child and first learned of him. When I went to Gettysburg for that first time in 8th grade, I bought a copy of the speech printed on a scrolled up paper that was meant to look aged and I must’ve read it hundreds of times. I know, I’m a bit weird lol. 🤷🏼‍♀️ ❤️🇺🇸

[@deborahwilkerson5044]

I don't think you are weird. I think you are passionate.

[@eileenk.copeland2979]

It was known as the war of amputees

[@fairygoth-mother7341]

You are not weird.

[@candicebobnock2019]

You are not weird. You were deeply impacted by what you learned; and you honored the bravery and suffering in your own way. ❤

[@ed.z.]

Yes. And freedom is worthless without democracy to insure self-rule. Dark money in politics messes it up, for everyone.

[@pacebrison1453]

I consider myself a history buff with a strong interest in our civil war. I have had the great honor of visiting Gettysburg on the anniversary of the battle and was afforded the privilege of placing flags upon the graves of the fallen. This was not the first time I’ve heard the Gettysburg Address. It is, however, the first time it brought a tear to my eye. Thank you.

[@jacobpickering3057]

@pacebrison Hello it is nice to meet someone who also likes to learn and study about the American 🇺🇸 civil war. I’m from Chattanooga, Tennessee.

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

There was nothing civil about that war...😢

[@marykme]

@@corinnepmorrison1854 Absolutely right! The cost in human life in the unCivil War was more than 3 times the number of US military in WW II, and that's not counting civilians who were killed, who lost their property and home and, in many cases, their sanity. War is never glamorous and is rarely justified.

[@Tennessee968]

@@jacobpickering3057 Fellow history buff. Hi neighbor. From Knoxville. Best wishes to you and yours.

[@Whoozerdaddy]

I too am a bit of a history buff, an American and a veteran, somewhat advanced in years, and that recitation of the Address made the tears run down my face as well. The only thing I love more than my country is my God. I hope it is here much longer than I am.

[@krash66]

I have heard it or read that speech at least a hundred times and it still brings tears. Another incredible speech is Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address.

[@maureencollins5177]

So True. "With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan-to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."

[@krash66]

@@maureencollins5177 Still, I can barely read it without shedding tears.

[@maureencollins5177]

@@krash66 Especially knowing he'd be dead six weeks later.

[@StreetFighter2010]

Same here. Tears every time. The Declaration of Independence also does that to me.

[@barbarahawkins7331]

President Lincoln never forgot, not for one minute of one day, that EVERY life lost was an American life. He mourned for all & prayed for his country. Thank you for this reminder during our current strife & division. Happy Holidays!

[@54nomore]

Yesterday November 19th, 2022, was the 149th year anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address (November 19th, 1863). I just hope and pray we can keep our Constitutional Republic. We do not want to go down the path of a 'House Divided.

[@kmcheesehead7953]

I cry every time. 😭 If you ever come to the States, Gettysburg is a must visit

[@SueProv]

The Gettysburg battle was from July 1 to July 3rd 1863. The speech was given November 19 1863 as a dedication of the ceremony for those in the Northern Army who fought there were buried. Casualties for the north were 23,000 and 28,000 for the south. More than 3000 horses died and the population of Gettysburg was about 2500 during the battle if you could imagine how overwhelming that was and of course for the many southern battles.

[@conniecrawford5231]

The residents of Gettysburg had to burn thousands of horses’ bodies due to the danger of disease from the rotting bodies. The smell was overwhelming- it would have broken my heart to live there and see the human and equine carnage!

[@1perfectpitch]

He spoke of ALL who died there. You jackass.

[@fairygoth-mother7341]

Not only did they have to deal with dead horses, they had to deal with dead soldiers. I read that bodies were buried in rather shallow graves which did not stop the stench of the decomposing bodies well into the fall.

[@ladyd8339]

What happened at Gettysburg should be all the reparations our country needs to pay.

[@mascotnet]

@@ladyd8339 I disagree respectfully. Blacks continue to be treated unequally. If anyone deserves reparations it is them.

[@AlanMHunter]

Additional interesting note: Two speeches were given that day. Edward Everett spoke a 13,607-word speech, that lasted 2 hours. Abraham Lincoln spoke for just 2 and a half minutes, a speech with approximately 270 words. In the middle of his short speech, he explicitly remarks that the 'world will little note, nor long remember what we say here'. Such humility from a man whose words we still repeat, and will repeat long into the future, spoken just after a man spoke for two hours a speech that has been all but forgotten. Just some additional insight into how extraordinary Mr. Lincoln is as a model for leadership and conduct.

[@HillaryHuffine]

When I was in 4th grade we had to memorize it and recite it for a grade. I still remember it word for word and that was 25 years go!!!

[@jainthorne4136]

It was almost 50 years ago for me. Our fifth grade class in civics required us to memorize it. I still remember most of it.

[@alperdue2704]

That and the Preamble to the Constitution.

[@halspencer6613]

And here it is in 2023 - can you, or anyone, imagine accomplishing what you did in 4th grade? Memorizing that speech - amazing then, amazing now and so much more meaningful in this day and age when the young people in grade school are being indoctrinated with unspeakable policies and woke politics by their teachers and administrators, Hopefully, there still might be a few teachers and a few schools with the mature philosophy to still teach patriotism, religion, self-reliance and common sense.

[@stonefly69]

To this American, your reaction to the Gettysburg Address is very touching. Thank you.

[@joshmckenna7319]

I have been too Gettysburg battlefield and I have stood on the ridge where the worst of the fighting happened. Yes Gettysburg is haunted by ghosts of those who lost their lives. You can almost feel the sadness.

[@dingman10able]

Absolutely agree.

[@crankyyankee7290]

I've stood behind the stone wall where the union troops stood and looked across the huge field where the Confederates came in Pickett's charge, it was chilling to the bone on that warm day.

[@randyward2766]

When I was in the Air Force stationed in Delaware, I had the opportunity to visit the battlegrounds several times. It was humbling, sobering, and sad. They have preserved much of the area, which is still very rural. You can stand on any high ground and picture the battle and carnage taking place on the fields in your view.

[@kaydublin5164]

I live in PA, about 2 hours from Gettysburg, I went with my son on his 8th grade trip, it is an absolute moving place to visit, I could “feel” the men who died there, it brought me to tears. It took me so many years to truly appreciate the men and woman who gave it ALL for this country. RIP

[@VOICEFORFREEDOM1776]

To see Gettysburg in person is on a whole other level. The graveyard has graves where they couldn’t identify the bodies, so it will only say the state they were from then a number like “1300” to signify how many bodies are buried there 😢When Lincoln gave the address, the smell of the war and bodies still stunk. Lincoln could literally smell it. I’m proud to have warn the uniform of the men that came before me.

[@hughsonj]

I visited the battlefield, and we walked the length of Pickett's Charge. No matter how you feel about the South, the courage those men showed is undeniable. They rushed across an open field and were mowed down by the hundreds. You can still feel the weight of history there in the present day.

[@calmseas9263]

The south was wrong , we all know that but they were brave American soldiers. Extremally brave on both sides. It's just tragic, like all wars.

[@hothog8261]

No matter how much you feel about "people who kept other people in bondage" you mean?

[@lindapryor3747]

@@hothog8261 it was much more than that. I guess you were there, right.

[@colinschaeffer3940]

@@lindapryor3747 No. It was just that!

[@jjjj-cy3vz]

@@hothog8261 you mean like the northerners that the emancipation proclamation didnt affect? the emancipation proclamation literally only made slavery illegal in the states that seceded so that lincoln could make the case internationally that the war was anti-slavery. abraham lincoln didnt make the war about slavery until a year after it had started. whether you believe it or not the war was legitimately about states rights and then got turned into a war about slavery to prevent other countries from assisting the south.

[@RogCBrand]

The 1993 movie "Gettysburg" is long, but actually very accurate and has great acting. It's really worth watching, though you might want to watch it in two halves, since it's so long.

[@mountainbikemayhem1833]

Gettysburg is a great movie to watch and really get an understanding of what happened there. I would also suggest the Daniel Day Lewis movie Lincoln to understand the man.

[@scotttedford7748]

I heartily recommend you watch Gettysburg movie, probably in 2 parts due to its length as mentioned above. Despite the carnage it portrays, it does not show a lot of gore as it was made to be shown on television. It was released in movie theaters first, however. I also highly recommend the movie, Lincoln.

[@56Joanie78]

Awesome! We (individually) had to memorize the entire Gettysburg Address in either 4th or 5th grade and then recite it in front of the rest of the class--not easy!😁 In the late '70s or early '80s, we (family) toured the battlefield; you could borrow a cassette tape to guide you. Beautiful scenery, for sure.

[@56Joanie78]

By the way, belated Happy Birthday, Sam! It was nice seeing your dad and the beach.

[@kathygreenbean3132]

Now you can follow the auto tour and the narration will come over the radio. It is about a 4 hour tour ending at the Gettysburg Cemetery. We were there last year about this time!

[@amethystanne4586]

Did you walk between Devil’s Den and Little Round Top? Very odd feeling being there. In late June 2013, my sister and I drove our parents from High Bridge, New Jersey to Gettysburg (their 60th wedding anniversary). Very nice day as a family, but sad to realize that this ordinary American town had been the scene of a battle that decided the future of our nation, 150 years previous to 2013.

[@macecrawford2860]

We also had to learn the speech and recite in class. It was an honor I thought at the rime

[@BarnicleBillable]

My class had to memorize it too. Houston.

[@jasonmcnair5294]

I am a social studies teacher here, and my 8th grade class trip to Philadelphia and then ultimately Gettysburg is the trip that sparked my love and interest in history that became the foundation of the life path that I took to eventually becoming a teacher. I was able to take my family there a few years ago and they had just built a larger, more interactive visitors center. When you take your vacation over here if you make it to that part of the country I highly recommend it! Big gift shop there, too!

[@m.c.1933]

As a child we would make the 2 day trip from Mississippi to Pennsylvania to visit my great grandmother. When I was about 10 or 11 we visited the battleground and even if you didn't know what took place there you can feel it . There is a stillness there as you walk the grounds . You know something big happened . We also toured the Lincoln memorial and other great historical sites. I'm 54 now and can still vividly remember that trip more than any of many trips we made to PA. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week please let us remember every soldier that has served our country and spent time away from their families and friends to defend us and keep us safe. Let us pray our country is never divided like this again.God bless.

[@patcummings6950]

This breaks my heart to listen to this and then to see where our country has descended. Corrupt politicians and greed continue to divide us at a people. There is a core of strength still here, but it remains to be seen who will win out. Keep us in your prayers. USA

[@gegalvezge]

As an American, Thank you for taking the time to view this Great Speech. ❤

[@beckybanta126]

A great sadness fills my heart whenever thinking about or watching a documentary on the Civil War. President Lincoln gave his all to keep us as one nation. While in high school, we had to memorize the entire address many, many years ago. I was surprised to know how much I remembered. Thank you for your interest & sharing it with us! 👍

[@harishpavan995]

I love this channel, newzealand people are the most friendly and welcoming people in the world ,lots of love from India 🇮🇳

[@claycollins9852]

From one of the least welcoming countries.

[@harishpavan995]

@@claycollins9852 😡

[@claycollins9852]

@@harishpavan995 what?! Its true. Y'all are some assholes to foreigners.

[@clarenceartman7487]

I'm not knocking New Zealand at all, I've never been there but I'll never forget the wonderful hospitality given me when I visited Belgium 30 years ago I was approached three times in as many days by the locals who offered to help me find my way - did you catch what I said? the LOCALS came up to ME to offer assistance and lead me to where I was going

[@genestatler2514]

Thank you, our honorary "American family", for reminding us of such a momentous happening in our history. Love from Tennessee.

[@jacobpickering3057]

@genestatler Hello my fellow Tennessean.

[@richardedwards8156]

My great-grandfather was at Little Round Top at Gettysburg. That battle changed the future of the United States. Thanks for reminding us.

[@jeffreysmith236]

Was he in the 20th Maine?

[@disgruntledgrunt2492]

Amazing video! Also very timely; yesterday 19th of November, was the 159th anniversary of the address. A little less known proclamation occurred 1 month earlier (3rd of Oct, 1863) as Abraham Lincoln declared a "national Thanksgiving" to be held on the last Thursday of November (26th of Nov, 1863). My family reads the proclamation each year on Thanksgiving Day, as we gather together. I highly recommend looking into it, well worth at least a read if there isn't an audio version available.

[@chunksaflyin7288]

As always, love your family and content. It's interesting how he states "The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here" yet, 159 years later, as of yesterday, we still remember and it's even shared world wide. Like many on here, I had to memorize this around 4th grade and it sticks with you. Much love and well wishes to you all from San Diego, CA.

[@mascotnet]

The Harrisburg Patriot newspaper, the largest newspaper closest to Gettysburg, called the President's speech silly and agreed people wouldn't remember it. 150 years later they retracted that editorial and issued an apology to Lincoln, reminding us that sometimes the media could be wrong back then as it often happens today!

[@Tommy1977777]

Go read on the story about how he wrote that speech. It'll give you goosebumps. Lincoln would later go on to create the legislatolion leading to the creation of the Dept of Veterans Affairs.

[@lynnevanvorce7727]

I was 63 I’ve been around the states, outside the states to Germany. Amsterdam, Holland I live in NY I’d never been to Gettysburg. I finally went during a family trip going, there actually being there is a such a powerful feeling. The size of the town is very small it’s not a big city, but it carries a heavy feeling. You feel the weight of the loss of all of those lives, and what this battle meant to our country.

[@keylin4857]

We heavily analyze this speech in US History class in high school, it such an incredible speech. Lincoln was a genius

[@maryannsarkady7950]

I was a civil war reenactor for 7 years, we not only reenacted battles but we educated about How families suffered, how so many men died during that battle, how children lived and played and had to help their families deal with the war etc.

[@melissaswift4346]

My 5 times great grandpa was a union soldier and it warms my heart that you care about this moment in history. I have letters from his various battles he fought.

[@tpetro31]

Gettysburg is a great place to visit

[@markhine3232]

This is considered by many Americans as one of if not the most honored speeches in our history. Its up there with roosevelts speech on Dec 7th 1941 that began our involvement in the second world war. Also John F. Kennedy's speech on chosing to go to the moon and Ronald Regean's speech to russia about tearing downthe berlin wall. Im glad you treated it with the reverence it deserves. Very nice react video. Some of us watching your channel think of your family as one of our own adopted families. Keep making videos and God bless you all. Or as we in western Pennsylvania like to say God bless younz?!!have a blessed week

[@stevesilva2780]

I would also mention Dr. M.L. King's "Dream Speech" of 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. And my favorite JFK speech was his "Berlin Wall" speech, also in 1963, delivered in Berlin, Germany.

[@paytonaxtell]

Lincoln's second inaugural>>>>

[@ljt81194]

Thank you for your interest in our US history. Another powerful Lincoln speech is his second inaugural address. It was this speech that established the Veteran's Administration and forms the mission of the VA.

[@PEPPER2323]

After his death, Lincoln was brought home to Springfield, Illinois, where he is buried in a beautiful cemetery.

[@wendys5949]

There are beautiful memorial statues and markers laid out around Gettysburg. You can feel the history there, it's well worth a visit.

[@Hammernms]

I'm 63 from USA. I have made all of you my family ❤️

[@claygirlcan]

I'm not from the US, but up north in Canada 🇨🇦but I think I'm a closet American. Lincoln is my 2nd favorite US president after Washington. Courage requires sacrifice. Always. 🇺🇲 Great reaction, and especially exposing your children to lasting values. 👍

[@ArkansasGals]

We had to memorize this and recite in junior high school

[@zulubob5824]

Remember it well.....9th grade

[@CassandraElaine1985]

thank you always for your love and support for America,Americans,Our History and Our Pride and love for the Red White and Blue🇺🇸

[@weepingboy3]

The Gettysburg Address is truly the greatest of all speeches. Abraham Lincoln was our greatest President

[@billstream1974]

The terrible thing of this war is that over 600 thousand men died, All Americans. The Great thing is that Black Americans were freed!

[@missymoonwillow6545]

I love how you guys educate yourselves together as a Family. It's so wholesome and healthy, it blows my mind. You guys are just so awesome, and I pray you are all blessed with abundance, and able to travel to all the places you'd love to explore together as a family. Much love, from Washington State, USA. 💕✌🏽

[@thomaswright5492]

I would also submit that his phrase "..with malice towards none, with charity for all..." read in 1865 did much to bind our nation's wounds but sadly, 160 years later we still struggle with the demons that beset us in this country. Thanks for this video.

[@darkether1170]

The movie Gettysburg does an admirable job of depicting the battle there. They had numerous actors you would know of, as well as many reenactors helping make the scenes come alive. It's a long movie (I seem to remember an intermission), but might make for a good reaction video.

[@kylesummers1565]

Possibly the greatest speech ever given. Peace, Love!!

[@holliday0191]

This is what a family should do be together watch and talk about history.Great Family!

[@mycroft16]

Lincoln didn't mince words. But he was a master orator. He knew how to choose them. His repetition of words when speaking of what the dead gave and what the living show take is absolutely brilliant. It all comes down to the concept of "will we who remain rise to the level of commitment and devotion that those who willingly died to protect the country had?"

[@blancahoward4477]

Thank you for reacting to this important piece of history lest we never forget, God Bless from Michigan

[@danastearns7939]

what a very respectful and somber reaction from you. This speech always brings tears to my eyes as it makes me realize so many sacrificed their lives for their cause And, to think that this Nation nearly did perish from the Earth. If you haven't yet listened to the speech given from Pres. Roosevelt concerning the declaration of War after Pearl Harbor - consider it. Also, there was a truly admirable/patriotic speech from Pres. Regan on June 6, 1984 from Normandy. Consider that one as well.

[@gordonduke8812]

The speech was a great summation of the American resolve. It became famous by the fact that Lincoln followed through with the challenges laid out in that speech. He gave America a "New birth of freedom", and showed, through compassion, forgiveness and inclusion that our system of self government would not and did not perish from the earth. So, it was his actions after the speech that made it the greatest. IMHO

[@ericmcdurmon8000]

Went to Gettysburg last year, Beautiful area. I believe it is one of the few times the North had the high ground. The address is a beautiful speech. Lincoln wrote several speeches that are beautiful. He grew up ten miles from my home in Indiana.

[@elizabethpowers7540]

I've been to Gettysburg and grew up just outside of D.C. and used to go in and walk around the monuments and museums all the time. Nowhere I've ever been reminds me of my country's finer qualities more than when I go to the Lincoln Memorial; they have his words carved into the walls. It's both humbling and uplifting at the same time.

[@SunflowerHeliotrope]

I also grew up near DC, but didn’t visit Gettysburg until I was in college. It’s one thing to walk DC streets and museums, but as soon as I walked out into the battlefields of Gettysburg, it was a sensation I’ll never forget: the sadness pressing down on my shoulders, making every step feel heavy. Walking up the hill of Pickett’s Charge, imagining you’re this poor kid far from home who’s scared because he knows he’s going to die trying to take this hill, and walking between those rocks at the base of the hill, I swear I could feel those soldiers there with me. DC is cool for the museums and all the history that took place there over the past ~250 years, but I can’t think of one other place where a single event happened that made me feel the way I did in Gettysburg.

[@elizabethpowers7540]

@@SunflowerHeliotrope If only more people were as thoughtful as you, perhaps there would be less tragedy in the world.

[@SunflowerHeliotrope]

@@elizabethpowers7540 that's awfully sweet of you to say, thank you! 🙂

[@traceyfox7759]

Having been at Gettysburg and seen the battlefield is very humbling when I think of our history. The memorials for each state and their infantry men are beautiful. I learned more about the Civil War going there than I did in high school history class.

[@Tiffany-ne9fr]

I had to memorize this speech in 3rd grade, it's stuck with me all these years later, along with the constitution in 4th grade.

[@irishlogan1]

My Daughter took me to Gettysburg for Mothers Day and I cried and was amazed to see where Lincoln stayed. I ghost hunted. Great little town. So much history there.

[@warrenrines3924]

Hello from Louisiana Love the channel and how your family interacts with each other. Keep up the great work

[@brandyperry-giotis9962]

Absolutely love your channel and your adorable family! 💜 from Knoxville, Tennessee!!

[@victoriabates2665]

I had family fight on both sides. They sent letters home to loved ones stating the cold hard facts of the war. When family came home they were never mentally right. The civil war like so many wars took its toll in so many ways. Thank you so much for sharing this with the world. Maybe someday we the people of Earth can be war free.

[@liamrenaud7525]

Have been to the battlefield it’s breathtaking it’s as almost everything stands still and you can feel the people that fought and died one of the most remarkable experiences I’ve had

[@RealAyzeNZ]

I love the screen set up how it looks like you're watching the screen that we see 😀👍

[@steverusie6986]

It is a great speech! Gettysburg is our favorite vacation place. I have studied the history of the battle and love being on the battlefield. My wife loves the paranormal side of the battlefield. We have an interesting photo and electronic voice phenomena (EVP) from the top of “Devil’s Den” near the Triangle Field!

[@meganrabish5691]

I live in Pennsylvania, where Gettysburg is, and I have stood near the podium where Lincoln gave that address, and reading while looking at the graves in the Soldiers National Cemetery, it gave me chills and brought great emotion to me. If you guys are ever in PA, definitely come visit Gettysburg

[@QuisletEsq]

Another great speech by Lincoln was his 2nd inaugural address. "With malice toward none with charity for all with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan ~ to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."

[@ferris240]

You should follow this up with Lincoln’s 2nd inaugural address. Really powerful

[@zulubob5824]

You guys RULE!!!! Thanksgiving this Thursday!

[@gaylacotton2097]

IN the eighth grade ,everyone In school had to recite the Gettysburg Address from memory for a grade.

[@andrewleif]

Gettysburg is a must-see for every American and any foreign visitor. It's the most humbling place I have ever been. Seeing the ground that many of our ancestors fought over makes you appreciate why.

[@JHulse29]

I was just at Gettysburg a few months ago. Historians just recently pinpointed almost exactly where Lincoln delivered this speech in the military cemetary. He was a personal hero of mine so it's cool to see you guys react to his most famous speech half a world away!

[@JHulse29]

Side note, Lincoln was the second speaker. The first guy spoke for 3 hours. Lincoln spoke for two minutes. The first guy later sent a letter to Lincoln saying basically I wish I could've done in three hrs what you did in two minutes

[@MichaelMoore-qp2xf]

Just wanted to say hi from Waxhaw, NC and to also say I love all your videos and think you have an amazing family. Keep'em coming.

[@jaymeadows1586]

Thanks for appreciating our nation's history. I've been to about 25 or so Civil War and Revolutionary War battlefields, and they always bring me peace and tranquility. ❤

[@danieltello1179]

I Love The Fact That You Acknowledged That There Is A Reason For The VISION For A Sense Of Freedom And Rights For To Live Accordingly. Sadly Some Americans Forget The Reason We Are AMERICANS!!! KEEP DOING YOU!!! ❤️🌹😊

[@henrybryant4380]

What's funny is that before this the Governor of Pennsylvania gave a 2 hour speech before Lincoln and no one remembers what he said what soever.

[@ralphvelthuis2359]

And afterwards the governor apparently said that Lincoln had said more in 2 minutes than he had said in 2 hours.

[@hourihan58]

Your reaction is appreciated, but different from mine. It always brings tears to my eyes. I have a lithographed collectible version of this from 1913 (50 year anniversary) on my wall at home. I read it once a year. I had ancestors fight and die in that war on both sides of my family.

[@elainelewerenz2829]

As a person who had a great uncle who fought in 2 of the great battles of the civil war..he was shot in the heart but his military issued bible that was in hi# pocket stopped the bulllet and saved his life…this bible has been in my family ever since..then a family member donated this bible to the Tennessee Civil War museum in Nashville Tennessee and can be viewed there as a testament to the brave men who fought in this war…

[@devincook1396]

It's even more impactful when you know Abraham Lincoln's live and how hard the civil impacted him and his family.

[@LarryHatch]

Very sad that American today is a government "by the rich, of the powerful, and for the corporations" instead of about, all about the people.

[@HistoryNerd808]

Lincoln truly was our greatest president and thr Gettysburg Address is the greatest speech ever given, which is ironic because he was reported to have a fairly reedy voice. As for the first video, I'm really glad you guys reacted to the American Battlefield Trust, their videos are amazing. I'd recommend, if y'all have time, their animated maps, they do a really good job of both showing and explaining a lot of our history.

[@lelmdrWHO]

I had to memorize this speech in high school. This and the preamble to our constitution. I actually didn’t mind because I find both actually very beautiful

[@vault7137]

Lincoln was by far the greatest President we have ever had. I wish we had him today....

[@briansigulinsky2512]

For a time in my youth I lived in West Virginia. I was able to visit historic place like Gettysburg, Antietam, and Harpers ferry. Those places left a lasting impression on me as a very young person. Over 600,000 died to hold our country together and make the choice to end slavery here. Antietam was the bloodiest day of the war with over 30,000 killed. Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the war with over 50,000 killed in three days. It is deeply moving when you stand in those places. May we never ever see this fighting again between ourselves.

[@honeybeastie1]

If you want to hear the most moving civil war time letter from a Union soldier to his wife, on the eve before battle, view Sullivan Ballou's letter. It will bring you to tears. Amazing!

[@majkus]

It was Second Bull Run, and not Gettysburg, but oh yes. It is on the soundtrack album for Burns's "Civil War" series, with Ashokean Farewell played behind it.

[@katfinn9352]

Hi! I cannot tell you how impressed I am at the way you are bringing up your children, exposing them in a fun and positive way to information about other peoples and places. Surely they will grow up to be interested and involved citizens of NZ and the world. By the way your videos are so enjoyable to watch.

[@OcotilloTom]

I've been a Civil War reenactor for about 25 years and have made the annual reenactment at Gettysburg several times., we pull our cannons from Arizona and California each year and spend a week there. After the reenactment we spend a few days doing living history around the park for the visiting public. My family were all Confederates and were engaged at Vicksburg, Miss. at the same time Gettysburg was going on. Both battles were very important in the outcome of the war. As a 20 year U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served two combat tours in Vietnam , I can certainly appreciate what those men did there. GySgt., USMC retired, Capt. Norfolk Light Artillery, CSA National Civil War assn.

[@conniecrawford5231]

Every American with any interest in the Civil War has these words inscribed on their brains forever!