Robert E Lee at Gettysburg

Now that's charisma

[@stogiechomper]

My brother and I were in this movie as Confederate infantrymen. The scene above was not planned or even in the script. It occurred spontaneously when Martin Sheen, as Lee rode by our ranks, and we all crowded around him, hoisted our hats on our bayonets, and began shouting "Lee, Lee, Lee!" The film crew yelled at us to keep doing it, and they began filming it. But the scene was really a spontaneous, unrehearsed and unplanned demonstration.

[@DemonAnarchy666]

It must have been a great experience seeing Martin sheen in person. Never knew this scene wasnt part of the script

[@brianboisguilbert6985]

And West Point is planning to remove his portrait from the academy

[@maureenogorman8740]

He was a West Point graduate who broke his oath to the USA and the US Army and the constitution. Some might feel he had good and noble reasons for doing that, and if so they should agree that his loss of portrait and a few statues are a small price to pay for supporting the enslavement of fellow Americans. I doubt he would mind at all.

[@GalathNox]

Sheen was surprised by it by the look on his face. Made it all the more authentic.

[@giuseppechierchia1104]

trump

[@GeometricMason]

Let's talk about the fantastic casting of Lee's horse Traveller. That horse remained perfectly calm in the midst of all those screaming men.

[@Tedd-r2e]

True that, most horses would’ve lost their shit

[@dardalion3199]

Traveller loves the attention I'm sure. Such a good horse here

[@adambrown798]

That horse was clearly used to being around people

[@JohnnyReb]

Such a great horse!

[@ARCtrooperblueleader]

@Eric Cable - Well said.

[@bungieborris9111]

to think. all those soldiers for the movie. they showed up to film without getting paid because they loved history so much, they wanted the film to be done right, damn, mad respect right there.

[@justinedwards5021]

actually they were paid something not much but they were still paid

[@Tank50us]

@@justinedwards5021 yeah, enough for hotels, food, and fuel. And those that brought their cannons (yes, really), and horses were likely given some more compensation as well (feed and cannon loads of gunpowder aren't cheap for something of this scale). But in the end, it was still cheaper for the studio in the long run, and allowed them to take the gamble of releasing the film in its full length..... it paid off.

[@abrahamlincoln9758]

@@Tank50us I believe this movie still holds the record for the largest onscreen live salvo of field artillery. Can't remember the exact number.

[@trajan231]

@@abrahamlincoln9758 A full strength Confederate artillery battalion of 40 guns. I have no idea about the Federal gunners in the movie

[@abrahamlincoln9758]

@@trajan231 I believe it beat Waterloo for that record.

[@dsambernardo]

Martin Sheen deserved an Oscar for this film. Look at his eyes, he maintained the character without script. Awesome.

[@canaanclb]

I don't understand why a lot of people think Martin Sheen was miscast. I thought he was the perfect Lee.

[@Khorney]

I agree, I think he did a great job.

[@aleksandryoung2213]

Martin Sheen did a great job portraying General Lee. To be fair, the actor who played Lee in Gods And Generals was my favorite (Curse me for never being able to remember his name) but I thought Martin Sheen was amazing.

[@canaanclb]

Robert Duvall

[@aleksandryoung2213]

Canaan B Thank you

[@DELTA1978THETA]

Both Martin Sheen and Robert Duvall portrayed General Robert E. Lee with the utmost respect and dignity. They gave it their very best. Loved both actors and how they portrayed Lee.

[@stevent9179]

The fact that this was unscripted makes it even more powerful....chills.

[@fatdaddyeddiejr]

During production. All the reenactors were told to treat all the actors who were playing the important historical part as if they were the real historical person themselves. So these reenactors were treating Martin Sheen as if he was General Lee. And Martin Sheen was taken back by this. Sheen was deeply impressed by how committed the reenactors were to the part.

[@stevent9179]

@@fatdaddyeddiejr you can see it on his face.

[@ronphillips3339]

My wife is not a lover of war movies but she was visibly moved by this scene from the movie. 🇬🇧

[@cwb0051]

Exactly Right..

[@SubidubidubiDu1]

this should've been the ending of the movie :) a celebration of victory, Lee saying goodbye to his soldiers before retiring. It could've very well been the case in real life too, hadnt there been mistakes committed by some wannabe generals.

[@thelastsaints101]

I can totally see the Shock in Martin Sheen's eyes and on his face as this was all happening. Still even in shock he didn't break character. Totally love this scene.

[@michaelc.6532]

Gabriel Davila I do too. I tire of the debate who played Lee better Sheen/Duvall/another actor. How many Civil War movies have made it to the big screen? How many are in the works? We were lucky to have this made and even luckier that “Gods and Generals” was made. Because that had a disappointing box office they canceled the plans to make “The Last Full Measure” at all. Sheen and Duvall were both good and we are fortunate to have those movies.

[@documentationslave397]

Michael C. The actor for Lee in Gods and Generals was a descendant of Robert E Lee, literally why he looked identical, it was a good choice. Sheen, though he didn’t look as alike was a VERY good actor. not that the other one wasn’t

[@MegaBloggs1]

@@documentationslave397 i reckon martin sheen nailed him

[@jeffreydrozek-fitzwater4649]

Nah, Gods and Generals is garbage.

[@thelastsaints101]

@@jeffreydrozek-fitzwater4649 Well that's your opinion. But, I respectfully disagree with you.

[@RobertELee-fj8xq]

I remember that like it was yesterday.

[@fortniteserverssuck9247]

General lee sir

[@user-gd7kn1qq6n]

fuck u slave owner

[@RobertELee-fj8xq]

@@user-gd7kn1qq6n Ok

[@kimjong-un9506]

Are you enjoying heaven papa Lee? I bet you and Winfield Scott have been dining with Napoleon and George Washington very night. What is heaven like papa Lee? I bet it’s like endless endless fields O cotton.

[@RobertELee-fj8xq]

@@kimjong-un9506 Yep

[@DevilDogDen1775]

I was one of the reenactors ( 33d. Virginia ) in this scene.... We really were cheering with our heart and soul.... It was a truly amazing moment that I never will forget....

[@kerthialfad]

You guys were Lee’s biggest fans by definition. It was like watching Spartacus or Alexander. 1.3 million hits! The audience recognizes the power and magnificence of the scene.

[@asherlevin6795]

Hey i remember u guys i was 21st va

[@DevilDogDen1775]

​@asherlevin6795 We were yelling Martin ! Martin ! Martin ! over and over.... And the studio overdubed it with Lee ! Lee ! Lee !!!

[@asherlevin6795]

@@DevilDogDen1775 i remember. But didnt it for a momwnt feel like he was Lee? I felt it

[@DevilDogDen1775]

@@asherlevin6795 God yes.... I had a lump in my throat, and tears in my eyes from the intense energy of the moment.... It seemed incredibly real.....

[@Issacandjacob]

People underestimate the status Lee had with his army. They viewed him as their grandpa warlord. Their leader. And they were really ready to walk across a mile of carnage for him. That’s true leader right there

[@mikegallant811]

I can honestly say his army would have marched into the infernal regions, battled the Devil himself, and left Hell itself a wreck. If Marse Robert had asked them to do so for him.

[@drbuzzard518]

My dad knew my great grandfather who fought under Lee during the civil war. He told my dad that when lee passed he was held in reverent awe . . . standing and taking off their hats when he passed with words like 'God bless you general" or mainly silence. They trusted him. Was wounded at Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg..

[@ernestinkiriwang8152]

“He was a foe without hate; a friend without treachery; a soldier without cruelty; a victor without oppression, and a victim without murmuring. He was a public officer without vices; a private citizen without wrong; a neighbor without reproach; a Christian without hypocrisy, and a man without guile. He was a Caesar, without his ambition; Frederick, without his tyranny; Napoleon, without his selfishness, and Washington, without his reward.” B.H. Hill -----

[@manilajohn0182]

And you're a half-wit without a clue if you actually believe all of that.

[@Coryiodine]

it's a real shame that narrow minded people who don't appreciate history destroyed his statues.

[@gilgamesh8334]

A Christian wthout hypocrisy? Why did he own slaves the lmao

[@Charely1925]

@@Coryiodine People seem to forget that not everyone who fought on the confederate side were evil people. While Robert E. Lee owned slaves, he never abused them and he didn't condone slavery. He saw it as a reality of the times and did his best to make the slaves he had as comfortable as possible in the situation they were in. When his father-in-law died, Lee had to execute his will, which included freeing all of his slaves. Lee knew that the slaves wouldn't be successful if the didn't learn how to read and write, but it was illegal to educate them in the South. So Lee and his wife secretly taught his father's slaves how to read and write before liberating them. When the southern states began to secede, he refused to join the confederate ranks while Virginia (his home state) was part of the union. While he didn't agree with everything in the north, he did not believe that secession was the solution. It wasn't until after Virginia seceded that he agreed to join the confederate army. He wasn't a perfect man, but he deserved to be remembered with respect.

[@tau-5794]

I think anyone can respect a man who chooses to fight for his home instead of a faceless hegemony, I think without the bravery of men like Lee and Jackson, Virginia wouldn't be the same state it is today.

[@striker1553]

My word, the raw emotion of that moment. Martin looked as if he was about to cry. I believe he understood from that moment the task Lee had, and the momentous opportunity he had portraying Lee. This movie always makes me tear up.

[@bazabatak1]

for me, this is the most powerful scene in the movie. these men would have charged hell itself for that man

[@guntugakgun1924]

Not for that man. For glory of their country. Sadly they lost the battle and the war.

[@ibracadabraasaansj2501]

@@guntugakgun1924 Why is that sad? They were fighting for a wrong cause

[@snapperl]

@@guntugakgun1924 They were fighting to keep raping and beating slaves, they should have been wiped out.

[@dennisjones2282]

Yeah,you gotta remember this is a movie,we have no idea how the average soldier felt during the wars low times.!!!

[@snapperl]

@@dennisjones2282 Are you so caring of how rapists and molesters feel during "low times"?

[@Jermster_91]

99.999% of the extras are cheering and celebrating but you have that one extra at 0:33 that holds a salute to the General.

[@filiprajakovic]

Legend 🫡

[@komradewirelesscaller6716]

This scene was just so freaking awesome. Could watch it a million times. And never get tired of it!!

[@Heisenberg-to4bq]

I bet christmas at yours is a bash

[@komradewirelesscaller6716]

@@Heisenberg-to4bq Yeah it is!!

[@briannat1086]

To all my fellow reenactors...who I so proudly served at Servant's General Store in Gettysburg....what a moving, tear filled scene. This production not possible without you! Thanks for the great memories. Martin Sheen was amazing. One of the best movies ever!

[@curtrupp4259]

I was 6 when this movie was made it has remained my all time favorite.

[@Pavia1525]

More amazing is how this scene came to be. This scene wasn't in the script. When the reenactors saw Sheen come out as Lee they spontaneously began to cheer. It was so moving that the director decided to film it and add it to the movie. A similar event actually did happen with Lee at the Battle of the Wilderness. When the Confederate line was about to break, Lee sent the Texans in to plug the gap. When Lee shouted "Texans always move them!", the Texas troops shouted out a cheer back to Lee. A courier witnessing the scene exclaimed with tears running down his face... "I would charge Hell itself for that old man..."

[@lufsolitaire5351]

Didn’t Lee threaten to lead the charge himself and the men went forward after they begged him to go back to the rear?

[@alexdaunoy9678]

@@lufsolitaire5351 He didn't threaten to lead the charge at the Wilderness, he was prepared to do so and so dispositioned himself at the head of the Texas Brigade. They then shouted "Lee to the rear." and stood still. They only advanced and pushed the enemy back after members of the brigade led Lee's horse to the rear.

[@erwin669]

@@lufsolitaire5351 The "Lee to the rear" incident was at Spotslyvania and it was a Georgia brigade

[@McClanahan2548]

Oh, how they loved him and he loved them.

[@EO-jr7li]

Wayne McClanahan You do realize this takes place right before the vary real event that was Pickett's Charge, in which Lee against his subordinates advice order 12,500 of his men to assault the well defended center of the Union lines at Gettysburg, resulting in one of the worst slaughters of the war.

[@McClanahan2548]

Mr. Hitman You are correct. this was before Pickett's Charge. General Robert Edward Lee and my gggrandmother, Tabiltha Hardy Williams McClanahan, are blood cousins.

[@McClanahan2548]

Mr. Hitman, again you are correct subjecting Pickett's Charge. Lieutenant General James Longstreet did attempt to have General Lee to reconsider this plan of action and, of course, the rest is history.

[@McClanahan2548]

Mr. Hitman, Prior to the assault, the Confederate artillery. approximately 140 cannon, was ineffective by the rounds falling short and/or over hitting their objections.

[@McClanahan2548]

Mr. Hitman, of the approximately 12,500 Confederates committed, 6555 Confederate casualties resulted. One of the Confederate casualties was Colonel James Keith Marshall, who is my 7th blood cousin. He was the commander of Brigadier General James J. Pettigrew's North Carolina Brigade and while cheering and leading his men forward, he was instantly killed as a result of 2 shots to his forehead. His location was just short of the stonewall at Cemetery Ridge.

[@detsportsfan18]

I just love the fact that this scene wasn't even part of the movie at first, the reenactors were more or less caught up in the moment when Martin Sheen rode by as Lee, and the Director & others thought "we got to get this on film". Very awe inspiring scene, though!

[@xcalabur18]

For 30 years, this scene has sent literal chills down my spine. I want to believe in anything half as much as these men believed in REL.

[@cashewnuttel9054]

Is this movie racist? Where are all the black, Latin, and Asian people?

[@JB-yb4wn]

@@cashewnuttel9054 Not too many blacks, Asians, or Latinos in either army back in 1863.

[@mrgoogle6569]

I saw one!!! A fellow Hispanic in the Army of Northern Virginia!! 😂

[@redsoxsuckdick1]

This scene wasn't supposed to be in the movie. The reenactors got so into character when Martin sheen rode by to be in place for his next scene they swarmed him and cheered him and the filmmakers loved it so much they left it in the movie. Goes to show you that southerners still love their beloved general 150 years later. Makes me proud one of my ancestors fell during pickets charge

[@DarthKieduss]

07. 2 of my ancestors barely escaped with their lives

[@bryandaly5270]

BeersAndBeards1218 our history is as important as anyone else’s

[@jacobhamselv]

@@bryandaly5270 Sure, stark reminder that theres always gonna be dumb fucks, willing to fight and die for a horrible cause.

[@Flowerz__]

You’re proud your ancestors killed Americans so they could enslave black people?

[@Nimgimmer1492]

@@Flowerz__ Playing the race card is an old, tired tactic.

[@RovingRegions]

The music adds so much to this scene, and just pulls on the emotions every single time!

[@justinedwards5021]

this film in my opinion has the best and most powerful music of any film

[@jebangelacox9279]

I was 20 years old the day this was filmed I took leave from the USMC to be an extra in this movie. It was indeed a spontaneous moment. we surrounded Sheen screaming Lee over and over shaking our rifles. it was like we were there. one of the most powerful moments of my life. I was an extra in Pickett's charge. I charged with North Carolina NB it was cool because the camera was not on us. we were screaming"break them Boy's" over and over. I later married a girl from North Carolina she gave me three boys - Lee, Jackson and Forrest your daddy is proud of all of you. My best memory is my mama going with me to see this movie. thank you Mama for letting me know where I come from and to be proud. Deo Vendice - God Vindicates

[@loribrom8389]

Fantastic film, what great memories you must have having been an extra!!!!!

[@mathematicsiscool1434]

That is badass, and thank you for your service! Both in the Marine Corps and in this great film

[@moserr11]

It's hallowed ground. You should get the heebeejeebees.

[@theamericaneaglepatriot9673]

I'm twenty years old these days and say you're blessed to be in this part of the movie. I have the movie and also I'll say I wish I played in it too.

[@douglaslally156]

God never vindicated the Confederacy. It was a filthy attempt to create a new nation with slavery as it's economic backbone. It needed to be crushed. As a Marine you swore an oath to defend the United States. However, I am not trying to pick a fight with you. I'm a vet myself. I lived in the south for many years and loved it. I just don't like the Confederacy or anything that it represented. Cool that you were an extra in the film. And if it counts for anything I totally love this scene.

[@robbiesmile3]

This was one of the most poignant scenes in a truly great motion picture. And it was spontaneous. The Confederate reenactors saw Martin Sheen riding by and they suddenly rushed forward.

[@johnrobinson1762]

Lincoln went through how many Generals? Self serving politicians who offered up their asses to the highest bidder. Makes me sick.

[@packr72]

Robert E.Lee, West Point Class of 1825, voted most likely to secede.

[@jn5534]

Lol I see what u did there

[@packr72]

***** That only clearly went far over your head. It takes a real man to threaten someone over the internet. Oh and Grant>Lee.

[@packr72]

***** That's why Robert E Lee won all those Campaigns like Grant did right? Well at least Lee never marched 15,000 men into the center of the Union line at Gettysburg and expected a victory. Its not like Grant was given total control of all Union forces including Sherman in the South and Sheridan in the Shenedoah Valley and the Army of the Potomac. Taking your property, LOL, they're called human beings pal and your ancestor made millions of dollars off the backs of free labor. Fuck your been dead relative and his "property." For the record those "Commies" were invaded first and went on to defeat Fascism. That land belonged to the United States Federal Gov't and the Confederacy had no right to exist because NO ONE recognized their right to exist. They were pretty much a terrorist state and they fired first. I have no idea why you idiots are so angry over something that happened to people who you never knew. The war taught the South a very important lesson, the Feds will crush you until you whine like a bitch to stop. Most Southerns are decent folk trying to live their lives. Assholes like you give those people a bad name. P.S. The joke still went over your head.

[@packr72]

***** That's war pal, when you fire upon a stronger enemy, prepare for the worst. The Confederacy was hardly the first to find this lesson out. You should check out how many civilians died in the various Napoleonic Wars, millions of civilians died. The South should consider itself lucky that Union soldiers were better behaved than the French.

[@packr72]

Katie Browne First of all sweety, Religious morals aren't the only set out there. Basically everything you mention about morals and all that shit is nothing but subjective at best. If "Southern Gentleman" couldn't handle what Grant and Sherman did, then they are inferior soldiers and we are talking in the context of war. Maybe Lee would have been a better person to have a conversation with, but I want the best soldiers to win a war with. Yes factory workers were paid like shit for many years, but they still were above the poverty line. Work is hard, but most men will choose freedom and shit pay over being a slave.

[@stevekoch4540]

⭐⭐⭐General Lee was truly beloved!👍

[@Aetlaify]

I'm not even an American but something is very special and very touchy with that brilliant scene. I'd follow General Lee to death. Hats off and salute for the performance of Mr. Sheen. And hurray for Dixie!!!!!!!

[@RavenclawFtW3295]

This has got to be without a doubt the biggest unscripted moment that has ever made the final cut of a movie.

[@aldousjosea.castro1887]

FYI... this scene was unscripted. Martin Sheen had just finished make-up and was on his way to the Director. The reenactors started cheering him and the Director told the cameraman beside him to shoot the scene.

[@lynnmaust5441]

+Aldous Jose A. Castro thank you for that!!!! How awesome!!!!

[@Emmeris1]

+Aldous Jose A. Castro yes thats true, a park ranger at the gettysburg military park told us the same story. Its so awsome

[@karenbartlett1307]

Aldous Jose A. Castro: Martin Sheen looks humbled and slightly awed by the esteem in which we held our beloved General Lee, that 150 years later the reenacters would still want to honor him, via his substitute.

[@thomasbaron5367]

Aldous Jose A. Castro a brilliant accident that fits so perfectly well with the film :')

[@Bradgilliswhammyman]

Re enactors were more enamored of seeing Martin Sheen actually than Gen Lee.

[@donaldschmidt2990]

What really makes this scene work is Randy Edelmans incredible musical score!! That song embodies the Civil War and that Titanic struggle. One of the five best movie scores ever done. HANDS DOWN!!

[@TheMentalita]

The soundtrack of this movie is amazing!

[@snakey934Snakeybakey]

1:57 Sargon of Akkad was a confederate soldier! confirmed!

[@totallynotalpharius2283]

That's why they lost

[@ken45y]

Lol!

[@ReformedSooner24]

Sargon=civil war re-enactor confirmed lol. I knew he was an American at heart XD

[@rc59191]

Even as a Sons of Union Veterans member and Union supporter this is one of the most beautiful scenes ever. Really admire how much love and respect people still have for General Lee to this day it's ridiculous that they want to take down his portrait at West Point.

[@tim71pos]

If we saw pictures of general Rommel and General Paulus hanging in the military academy at Berlin that would be.... Disconcerting. One might think Germans were longing for the good old days.

[@rc59191]

@@tim71pos comparing nazis to the Confederate States is intellectually lazy and dishonest they have zero things in common.

[@resireg]

​@@tim71posPaulus was an utter failure, just like Lundendorf, Hindenburg.

[@tim71pos]

@@rc59191 not really. The Nazis were into slave labor too. They couldn't do cotton. But Eastern Germany was big into rye.

[@davecrupel2817]

Just because he fought for the slave states, DOES NOT undermine or undervalue his superb conduct & legendary status as a commanding officer. West Point should be ashamed of themselves for wanting to remove his portrait.

[@benjaminlee4937]

What's so brilliant about this scene, is that it was completely spontaneous. This scene, which is probably my favorite, was not scripted. It came about when Martin Sheen was headed back to get undressed and go to the hotel, as he wasn't scheduled to shoot that day (he had an interview). He decided to ride "Traveler", and while he rode by the tree line, the reenactors emerged from the treeline shouting "Lee!". As described by Patrick Falci (the actor who played A. P. Hill for the film), the scene really show the love that the Confederate soldiers had for their General.

[@NoelG702]

Benjamin Lee They actually shouted Sheen Sheen!!! But they dubbed it with Lee.

[@jefferss1639]

I`ve watched this clip probably dozens of times and it never fails to bring me to tears. The love and respect they have for Lee transcends everything else and they are willingly to die for him

[@LKaramazov]

It’s a big deal.

[@MrBBaron]

As a Southern man with confederate ancestors it Still sends chills up my spine no matter how many times I've seen this scène over the last several decades. I been to Gettysburg 3 times. Always in awe of those brave you men.

[@dredd1981]

What a beautiful scene, and what a travesty that this great mans statues are being pulled down by woke mobs, an absolute disgrace!

[@truthteller9154]

This actually happened at the battle of Chancellorsville two months prior when Jackson met up with Lee after flanking Hooker. Hundreds of soldiers swarmed Lee and cheered. It also happened again at the battle of the Wilderness when Lee himself led his soldiers forward in battle until being surrounded with chants of, "Lee to the rear." Fearing Lee would be killed in battle soldiers grabbed his horse's bridle and forcibly led Lee back.

[@keiththomas3141]

That's interesting!

[@manolios]

those ragtag souls, running behind the horse of General Lee , gives me the chills. He gave them meaning and a cause

[@richardtaylor1652]

His men loved him, his enemies feared him but regardless of North or South, all respected him!

[@jameskilcoyne1955]

You are the namesake of another damn good Confederate general, Richard Taylor. He orchestrated the last major Southern victory of the war (a full campaign).

[@loganw1232]

I hope that Lee will not be vilified by the Democrats and the Left, Lee is a man that should be respected.

[@HurricaneDPG]

@@loganw1232 - Just as many Republicans, if not more, are equally ignorant to American history. These types of ignorant, lackadaisical comments do nothing to add to the character of Robert E Lee. He was a man of strength and weakness, just like the rest of us.

[@Bigmojojo]

​@@loganw1232should black people respect him? Serious question

[@loganw1232]

@@Bigmojojo Yes, if not for his tactical genius than for his gentlemanly character and the way he treated his soldiers under him with respect and dignity. It’s like respecting Julius Caesar without agreeing with everything Rome did. Also, it’s up to the individual to choose what he or she admires not group thinking.

[@bobdole4432]

Trump accepting the Republican nomination in July 🫡🇺🇸

[@rjoseph8840]

Another imbecile with Trump Derangement Syndrome 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@Wadiyatalkinabeet_]

More appropriate now than ever after his conviction. Get the Stars and Bars flying!

[@oarfrost]

My God, this is one hell of a powerful scene. Many thanks for the upload Kerthialfad Baru

[@charlesgarrett7766]

Don't erase our history. Always remember, NEVER FORGET.

[@jeffrutt5292]

@Doug Bevins you are a idiot. Who are The traitors. The North violently attacked the South destroying everything in its path. The Confedeates at least kept it to a military campaign. Why wouldn't they fight. Their homeland was being torn up. The people fighting were not fighting to preserve slavery. I am curious how you came to that conclusion. Most of them could not even afford to put shoes on their feet, so how do you expect them to be able to afford slaves. History has been purposely distorted.

[@derrickkilmer5918]

Reinhard Heydrich the north was not some unstoppable force that burnt and pillaged homes like it is depicted in movies. The North was a superior force the REACTED to a rebellion within the country, and fought to preserve the Union. Now, each soldier fought for what they believed was right, and their was evil on both sides. Some soldiers, Like Lee, fought for their home state, while others wrongfully fought for slavery. It is a simple concept. Don’t fall for the States Rights Bullcrap argument. The Confederate constitution states that the Confederate States of America was founded upon Slavery and that is entirely wrong. Now, I am a native Virginia, and an advocate for history. I do believe that these historical states and battlefields should remain preserved.

[@Cemanahuac-NicanTlaca]

I couldn't say it better then this👍

[@circleofdao3556]

stop discussing who was right or wrong the only thing he's saying is that no matter good or bad we shouldn't forget this conflict and rather learn from it

[@Cemanahuac-NicanTlaca]

@Doug Bevins Wow, I enjoyed your knowledgement of real history. Thank you for sharing.😊

[@pheenix42]

Not going to lie...if I had been one of the reenactors, I'd have cheered my lungs out too.

[@jacksonguillory8114]

Me too

[@marknewton6984]

Me too.

[@3cusefan]

One of the most underrated scenes in movie history!! This was not planned, Martin Sheen had no clue. The passion and heart of every single reenactor was too overwhelming to hold back.

[@moris7055]

Please, do not forget the 10.000 italians who volunteered, fought and died for the Confederacy. The militia of Louisiana had an italian guards battalion, later renamed 6th Regiment European Brigade, and other companies within regiments from Alabama, Virginia, Tennessee and Louisiana. General William Booth Taliaferro served in the Confederate Army as well as the commanders of the 6th Regiment European Brigade, Lt.Della Valle, Captain Marzoni, Captain Santini, First Lieutenant Marinoni and Second Lieutenant Baselli. Thank you from Italy for remembering them.

[@karenbartlett1307]

Thank you, Italy for your sons who fought for the Confederacy! Honor to them!

[@danbarker5624]

Can’t watch this without crying.

[@markg.4246]

Scripted, or unscripted, this may be the most powerful scene of any movie. The raw emotion in the eyes, and on the face of Matin Sheen is compelling and deeply moving. A scene like this would be nigh impossible to duplicate.

[@ig-1198]

I still watch this scene, even with everything going on today. It brings tears to my eyes. A man willing to go before his general to a certain death is a man to be respected; and a man who is willing to take responsibility for commanding such men, is a rare breed of man indeed.

[@prasadiyer3271]

Robert E. Lee - a perfect gentleman with perfect manners.

[@britneyspears8286]

A racist slave owner but I guess u r racist too

[@prasadiyer3271]

@@britneyspears8286 I only commented on his manners - as for me, I am only interested in the colour of money, not in skin colour (I am not a racist ).

[@britneyspears8286]

@@prasadiyer3271 yea u r. If u support a slave owner , his ethics , u r

[@prasadiyer3271]

@@britneyspears8286 I support no one except myself - I merely commented on Robert E. Lee's polite and immaculate behaviour, not on his ethics etc. I have some interest in the U.S. Civil War but only in the operational aspects of the various campaigns and battles, not in the moral and ethical aspects of the various issues involved.

[@Sploooks]

@@prasadiyer3271 Lee was a particularly cruel slave driver, the lost cause loves to push the myth of the kindly and quiet general lee.

[@PalloneWafer]

Hope the South will rise again, from Italy

[@Shatamx]

@Roger That So they can be free from the federal government. Which all States were before the War of Succession believe it or not.

[@Wadiyatalkinabeet_]

I’m a Gen Z Southern Catholic who had family on both sides of the war. Proud to be a Southerner! Damn what the haters say, God Bless The South and God Bless Robert E Lee!

[@Confederate-hj2dc]

I’m from MD too. God bless the South. Stay strong brother!

[@danielmurdock3086]

I'm from the North but in my heart I always will be a good old rebel. God bless the South....

[@Wadiyatalkinabeet_]

⁠​⁠@@Confederate-hj2dcMaryland will forever be a southern state as long as people like me and you live here and keep her traditions alive. Many thanks brother and God Bless and God Bless the South, from an Eastern Shore native.

[@tomp8094]

General Lee and General Washing ton have always been my heroes. Two figures from history in command of armies that were out numbered and out supplied in virtually every engagement they fought but held there armies together through sheer strength of will. Both men were revered and loved by the men they led.

[@josephwolfe8771]

My great-grandfather was 19 when he shot in his left hip at Cold Harbor. Spent 48 days in Richmond hospitals then return to duty at Fort Gilmer on the southern defenses of Richmond.Sent by train to the battle at Cedar Creek.Then retreated from Richmond on the agonizing march to Appomattox. Escaped capture at Saylors Creek where his beloved brother Lewis was captured. Stayed with General Lee to the bitter end. Surrendered then walked home to Georgia where he lived out his days in peace and the love and respect of his people.It will be a cold day in Hell before I turn my back on him and the cause he believed in. His name? George Washington Peacock, Co. A, 18th Georgia Infantry, Army of Northern Virginia.

[@eadecamp]

God bless you both for your service from a Tarheel.

[@karenbartlett1307]

Honor to your ancestor, sir.

[@EroticOnion23]

That's crazy! I heard in a documentary that getting shot in the hip you had a 90% mortality rate...

[@karenbartlett1307]

Getting shot anywhere during the War was likely to result in death, because the mini balls they used didn't go straight through like bullets which were used later. They shattered bone. That's why there were so many amputations. One didn't get "shot through the arm", rather, one had one's arm shot off.

[@josephwolfe8771]

To clarify surviving medical record in the National Archives state : minie ball- upper left thigh. I call that the hip myself.

[@spencerhurley5360]

Back when officers were respected by their men lol todays military is nothing compared to what is was founded on. All southern reasons for the war aside. Generals and leaders in general died so much because they led from the front and showed their men by being the first in. A lot of people probably think this scene is stupid but think about how psyched up they all were. I dont think many generals would be willing to charge into fire. I mean would? Would you really? Talk all the shit you want but would you really??

[@johninjersey]

Gives me goosebumps imagining what this moment, when Bobby Lee rallied his boys before the big battle, was really like. The rebs in this re-enactment look a bit on the portly side though. Shoulda put them boys on a 2 year near-starvation diet first. To add realism.

[@qvc1212]

gives me goosebumps too and I'm not even from the South I'm from michigan. as far as their weight, well, they all could've started out much heavier, there's no way to tell, the scene is so powerful I'm able to watch it undistracted by elements casting doubt on its realism.

[@Infernal460]

Jersey John All these "extras" are volunteers so there is a limit in what you can do.

[@teller1290]

sad that they couldn't find enough youngsters interested to fight for the honor to be in this. only the older people even understand what it was all about. sad. that's why reenactors are fat - they're too old to be soldiers.

[@tedstout7439]

The most beloved general in American history.

[@gaslandrights1745]

Because you were there

[@andrewwestman2407]

I wish Grant’s men had the same level of adoration for him like the rebs had for Lee. He deserved it. But Grant’s personality was just different. People generally liked him but he was very plain and straightforward. Didn’t care for glory or adoration. Just got the job done.

[@BaldwinVoice]

Grant was truly loved by his men. But the adoration for Lee was something on a completely different level. Lee was probably the most beloved general in American history. And he's definitely in the top 5 for greatest generals in American history. His tactics at Chancellersville are right up there with Austerlitz and Cannae.

[@legokid918]

here when they took the statue down. a sad day indeed for america..

[@trinitybond6981]

I know I am wrong but I just feel: the Republicans today represents the Old South, and the Democrats are the Yankees.

[@joshuadesautels]

You're not wrong.

[@midgebarker4022]

Most Southerners, while not all, were Jeffersonian democrats of their day. They believed in small limited & decentralized government. They would govern way more Conservative than today's Republicans. They outlawed pork barrel spending in the CSA Constitution. Neither of the two parties today will do that. If I had to pick one party today, it would be the Republican Party. The Republican party is closer aligned with Hamiltonian & Lincoln political think tanks. Not so much Jeffersonian (maybe some but not alot)

[@jakubm4405]

The most beloved general in American history.

[@TheNerdForAllSeasons]

Umm... I think George motherfucking Washington might have something to say about that.

[@Robert-tf3ch]

@@TheNerdForAllSeasons nope, when we lost the war we didn't lose the love for our southern way of life. And IDC what anyone says these men had love for their country thier state their way of life and most importantly GOD! We were never the traitors, the true traitors lie where man thinks he is better than God, where men cast thier morals aside for personal gain. His men would followed him anywhere, without a question of doubt. We didn't fight for a slave we fought for what we thought was right and that's a hundred different personal beliefs but the main reason was for our home "Dixie". These men Lee and jackson hood and longstreet Nathan and jeb and the many more where good men both in their morals and for their love of their home of their beliefs for the CSA!!!! Do your research, buddy.

[@TheNerdForAllSeasons]

@@Robert-tf3ch Spam all the bullshit you want. George Washington is a demigod in the modern age. Lee is just a man.

[@TheNerdForAllSeasons]

@@Robert-tf3ch Literally no one cares about anything you just said.

[@Robert-tf3ch]

@Garrison Nichols I can agree with you on that, now grant was a very good leader also was sherman.

[@brianboisguilbert6985]

And the woke sycophants of West Point are planning to remove his portrait from the academy.

[@thomasbaron5367]

They want to erase all traces of history from this county

[@B0R0M1R]

When you have a good commander in War of Rights

[@King_Stannis_Baratheon]

So true bahahaahaha

[@saiien2]

Loool so true :D

[@Transcocktailbar]

It was not a war of rights...it was a war about weather on human could own , exploit and harm another human being. I'm glad the slave owner thugs where ruined.

[@giorgitoriashvili2042]

@@Transcocktailbar omg war of rights is a game bro chill

[@rip_winkle1892]

@@Transcocktailbar War of Rights is the title of a team based civil war game chill out dawg

[@MrThePsychologist]

they portrayed the scene so realistically

[@justin2308]

I can’t even begin to imagine what sort of happiness and amazement the reenactors were feeling in that moment, to not only be doing their usual role as actors on a larger scale for the movie but also to suddenly see the the man playing the South’s most well-known General suddenly in their midst.

[@SubidubidubiDu1]

If he led them to the ends of the Earth they would have followed him. Nothing but Iove, honor and respect.

[@hagamapama]

One of the biggest things to end the rebellion was the fact that Lee swore an oath of loyalty to the Union. That example was enough for thousands of former Confederates did the same. He was a leader in war and a leader in peace. This is why I don't mind, as a Yankee, monuments of RE Lee. Not Lee the traitor, but Lee the man who honorably ended the war and committed to a life of peace and citizenship.

[@gen_robert_lee]

i love this scene, the best scene on movie

[@Rilez616]

I'm going to go watch gettysburg now.

[@MegaWolfgang]

Try to find the extended version. The original was great but with much removed? Much more detail with the cut scenes put back in.

[@Rilez616]

Itunes

[@SubidubidubiDu1]

And Gods and Generals too, dont miss that one

[@Rilez616]

@@SubidubidubiDu1 that is good too, doesn’t hit the same level though

[@oldschoolgreentube]

A curse to those that would tear down the statues and memorials to these brave men. Right or wrong they had courage and deserve to be remembered.

[@dsambernardo]

Totally agree. These people, at the low ranges of the army, fought for their lands and for their people, not for slavery. Should be remembered.

[@mikekemper9566]

F BLM moronic punks

[@lufsolitaire5351]

Do not touch battlefield memorials, you don’t have to agree with the confederacy but those who died deserve respect regardless of flag.

[@Bigmojojo]

The statues belong in Museums not on government property. I don't give a damn how good a general or a nice person Lee or any of the others were, in the end they fought to break up America. You can't call yourself a true patriot and worship the side that fought and killed to break this country up. You can study them, teach or write books about them, hell you can even appreciate some of their military success from a tactical standpoint. But they in no way what so ever deserve to be idolize.

[@dsambernardo]

@@Bigmojojo At the time, southern people talked about the civil war as a "second war of independence". In fact the Great seal of the confederacy had George Washington on it. They considered themselves patriots as they refused to fight against their own people. On the other hand, many of them had fought the Mexican War to protect America. These people shouldn't be judged by our own 21st century mentality, but from their perspective at the time. Taking your point of view into account, they should remain on public property because future generations should learn about what happened, so that history doesn't repeat any more. Applying typical KZbin or Twitter censorship or pretending as if history didn't happen as it did, will only lead us to repeat the same mistakes. Lincoln said once: "If America es ever destroyed, it won't be from the outside, but from the inside". Education and not concealment is the key. Have a nice day.

[@phantomwriter2629]

Say what you want about the Confederacy, I don't give a damn about it, but there is nothing you can do to make me despise the South and the men who fought for her. Do you honestly believe that every single one of those soldiers who barely afforded the clothes on their backs fought and died just so some rich plantation owners wouldn't have to pay for labor? Do you think these men went to war because they had some pipe dream they'd own a slave one day? These men fought for their home state even if they were opposed to slavery or secession out of loyalty to their state. It was NOT uncommon for many Americans to uphold their oath to their respective states over their oath to the Union. This does NOT make them traitors, in fact there is actually something very American about it, putting home and family first. Virginia was Lee's country and like any soldier went to war when ordered to. I will not hold that against him or any man or woman. I don't even hold it against men like Rommel, Zhukov, or Yamamoto and two of those men were once our enemies. And Zhukov was a soldier of our Cold War adversary, the Soviet Union. And this comes from a proud descendent of a Union soldier. North or South, Blue or Gray, White or Black, We are all Americans. The Civil War was America's darkest period and it must never ever happen again.

[@pancytryna9378]

Fun thing, Georgy Zhukov never commanded his troops against USA or its allies

[@phantomwriter2629]

@@pancytryna9378 I never said he did.

[@manilajohn0182]

The average soldier- and many junior officers- were duped into believing that they were fighting for their rights, or their freedom. In actuality, they were fighting for a social and political institution which wished to preserve and extend slavery. It's a great example of hour the mass of the people of a nation are often mislead and manipulated.

[@praetor9822]

The shock on Sheen's face only adds to his performance. In this moment, Martin Sheen really was Marse Robert, the beloved commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, and awed by how much his men admire him and are willing to follow him.

[@robertkillis8490]

i love how this scene wasn't planned, he was just traveling to the next scene and out of no were a cheering adoring mob starts and they rolled with it😅

[@jamesduclos2545]

A great American but an even greater Southerner .....

[@balintvoros9909]

"Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death." (Sun Tzu)

[@DutchDixon94]

Fucking Brilliant Scene

[@KenanLikent]

I'm Turkish so this guy does not makes an impact in my history but my nationalist blood got hot when I saw this video.

[@tonyhill1264]

After 8 disastrous years of Obama, this is how we felt with Trump and will again in 2024!!! Make America Great Again!!!! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@mkultraAcademy]

youre a bot.

[@WakefieldTolbert]

No. He's honest.

[@autoguy57]

Sometimes after reading the News, it’s too bad the South lost, I doubt Fairies & other miscreants would be destroying that society.

[@wyattmcgee1]

I’m sure that they would.

[@sherp2u1]

It just stirs the soul! Sheen is absolutely brillant, got that wild eyed look, and the hat salute, they have to rise again!!

[@volwolf]

I didn't care for Sheen's protrayal of Lee in this film. His southern accent sounded totally fake to me and he looked like some half-crazed leprechaun. I always felt Tommy Lee Jones playing Lee similiar to the way he played Woodrow Call in "Lonesome Dove" would have been a much more realistic choice, but that's just me.

[@sherp2u1]

Tommy Lee, really? his face is not right in my opinion, to big, not angular like Lee's. ...there area lot of southern accent varieties, right? I liked him in thsi role, I liked the actor who played Pickett even more!

[@volwolf]

sherp2u1 I agree with you on Stephen Lang who played Pickett. I also liked Richard Jordan as General Armistead among others. I guess we can agree to disagree on Sheen as Lee.

[@ExVeritateLibertas]

The accent is not bad, though I think Sheen seems a bit lacking in energy. Lee was from the Virginia upper class. He would have spoken in what is know as the "Virginia piedmont" accent" - including non-rhotic (i.e. British sounding) "r" and a "southern drawl." This pronunciation is dying out today.

[@generalmartok5909]

My favourite scene in this movie

[@steventreadway6614]

I love Martin Sheen. Crushed it in this performance too.

[@Kingofovertimea]

If this ever actually happened it probably would have been like this time a thousand

[@kennethbiebighauser7984]

The Army of Northern Virginia ....Robert E Lee commanding ....WAS THE CONFEDERACY.....

[@LKaramazov]

That’s the argument that Jubal Early created after the war, but it’s a nice myth and one probably with much truth.

[@wharris1354]

Southerners fought for a cause, Yankees for for money !!!

[@brunosamuraipictures890]

That´s right!

[@Shatamx]

Union Soldiers even knew it. They wrote about it.

[@aproudunionboy5091]

@@Shatamx Maybe you should read the dairy's of Union soldiers coming across plantations and the disgusting ways slaves were treated by the people you are so sadly supporting and deciding that slavery, was the worst thing they had seen and decided to fight against it as their main cause.

[@sussymcbaka2157]

Southerners fought for slavery and the north fought for slavery to end so I don’t get you

[@joshuadesautels]

And thus was Robert E. Lee inspired to go ahead...and make the biggest tactical mistake of his career.

[@davidpeek191]

Arrogant

[@rc59191]

Lol this didn't happen in real life in fact the scene was unscripted which made it even cooler and more impactful.

[@D4rkc14ymor3]

Not really, on a strategic level it was just another bloodbath. The strategic level in this war was won almost entirely by the Navy. The anaconda plan was actually brilliant AF. The union just needed a general who wouldn't lose the war in an afternoon while economic factors sunk the Confederacy.

[@jejeakle]

@@rc59191 I think something similar happened at a different battle when he called on the Texans, but I don’t remember which

[@rc59191]

@@jejeakle if you do let me know I'd like to check that out.

[@JDP2104]

Please, my fellow Americans, I beg you, don't erase our history

[@LKaramazov]

It’s too late. The communists are here in force, and have assumed complete control. When an international war comes against a stronger more virile people, we will be destroyed lie, the Persians before Alexander.

[@JDP2104]

@@LKaramazov we're not gonna have a civil war again

[@LKaramazov]

@@JDP2104 that isn’t what I meant.

[@manilajohn0182]

Stop already. Crack a book and you'll see that American history is alive and well. Statues of Confederates have a place only at battlefield parks and museums.

[@SPARTANENTERTAINMENTM]

im not american but really have so much respect to general LEE a true man even in defeat

[@ThatIrishLass]

Fun fact: this entire scene was unscripted. It was actually planned by the reenactors, who essentially photobombed a shot in progress to thank Martin Sheen for his efforts. They're chanting 'Sheen' not 'Lee', here. The name Lee was dubbed in after the fact and the scene was kept because it worked.

[@jamesholcombe435]

The Learned Soldier awesome truth, he had just finished makeup ive read and they were headed back to the director when the reenactors came out and swarmed them.

[@tommycurtis189]

I was in this scene. NO ONE was yelling "Sheen" but rather all were yelling and cheering, "LEE!!! LEE!!! LEE!!!"

[@Eggs_is_eggs]

If you look at their lips, it seems like they are saying "Lee" and not "Sheen."

[@toddrinehart7075]

It is Lee. Lee today makes real southerners cry. We still love him.

[@dan.100]

For me, Martin Sheen " is " Lee in this film. Brilliant.

[@dennyray3532]

This was not even written in the script, these men just acted this way on their own. This was just to powerful to leave out of the movie.

[@bobber0623]

Robert E Lee, the first rock star

[@alexmccrorie4195]

God bless Robert E Lee from a proud Scotsman.

[@hrabrozsrce]

❤

[@alexmccrorie4195]

@Roger That he was born and bred in Virginia hello he was not going 2 fight against his on folks .

[@alexmccrorie4195]

@Roger That that's load of bull buddy u must have been watching CNN. Plus if he had of fought 4 the union the civil war would have been over in a year tops .

[@alexmccrorie4195]

@Roger That Washington had slaves hello

[@klausstauffenberg3079]

God bless Robert E. Lee !

[@richardneely8758]

I remember my great aunts taking about how their fathers and uncles argued about the coming of the war. The men of the family were strong for the Union until Lincoln called for volunteers to invade the South. The younger men went into the Confederate Army at once. The oldest of my great uncles and the only slave owner n the family went with the Union and joined the first Alabama Union Cavalry. My great grandfather Neely joined the 51st Alabama Partisan Rangers and was a scout and courier for Generals Wheeler and Forrest. My cousin, J.J.Neely commanded a brigade for Forrest. My two great uncles were killed on the same day in the 10th Alabama at Gettysburg. My other great grandfather W.C. Forman of the 18th Alabama was badly wounded at Resaca and crippled him for life. I love this video of Lee. Viscount Wolesley said that the only well known individual that he had ever met that seemed cast from a greater mold than all others was Lee. I taught Civil War and Reconstruction for 35 years at University level and it pains me to see the simplistic reductionist approach that so many in the profession have embraced. The history is not as simple as many simple historians think. Let those who can remember; honor all of the men be they of Kershaw’s Brigade, the Union Iron Brigade or the 54th Massachusetts.

[@castercamber]

Yes, well said.

[@karenbartlett1307]

Honor to your ancestors, sir. Honor to the men who fought bravely and with integrity for what they believed in.

[@rebelsoul5980]

God bless you and God bless the 🇺🇸 and our Confederacy ❌

[@Bigmojojo]

Lincoln didn't invade the south as it is part of the US. The South took up arms against their own countrymen. I love this movie and this was a great scene but I will never sugar coat on who started the war and why it started.

[@burtonryan50]

This scene was beautiful to watch, yet like one person said it is chilling. Because you know at this part of the movie that Pickett's Charge is about to take place for these soldiers. Still the way this was shot, unscripted mind you, and the music just makes you cry.

[@aleksandryoung2213]

I cannot get enough of this video. There are days I wish I could go back in time and be in those fields cheering on General Robert E Lee like those men were.

[@aleksandryoung2213]

gump That doesn't sound very lucky at all.

[@snowballcorners]

Aleksandr Young Sorry to bring that up but war is not a moving picture its a killing machine.

[@aleksandryoung2213]

gump I know, but I'd still like to meet Robert E Lee. There's nothing wrong with that is there?

[@snowballcorners]

Aleksander Young No nothing at all I personally think it would be very interesting as to why he went to war on the side of the south.

[@aleksandryoung2213]

gump He made it clear in his letter to President Lincoln after receiving his offer to be made Major General of the Union Army. He would never draw his sword against his home and State Virginia. It was a hard decision to make for him because he did live the Union, but he lived his home state more. I would have done the same exact thing if I were in his boots.

[@Engineer1897]

Best scene in the movie

[@kristalange6824]

They are so happy to see him.

[@yildirimakin3767]

Great acting!!!! Love Martin Sheen ❤️

[@brucecuratola6389]

So accurate a portrayal of the troops passion for the moved beloved general of all time.

[@WicklowHills1991]

This great man has been an inspiration to me all my life. Would that we had more like him nowadays.

[@MichaelCasanovaMusic]

Slave owning aristocrats?

[@marknewton6984]

@@MichaelCasanovaMusic Grant owned slaves. Look it up.

[@OutBoardTink62]

Very moving emotional scene unscripted as most of us all know by now. It made you feel the devotion and honor these men had for General Lee and their cause to fight for what they truly believed in at the time when others believed it was wrong even up to today. It brings tears to my eyes and Im a Vietnam veteran to see this scene. At the time of this movie if I was of mature age 130 years back it is possible that I would of been fighting there myself for sure being from the North. A truly great scene and movie very well done,.... Glenn.