Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen Visit the Site of The Gettysburg Address

Actors Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen visit the exact location where Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863. Waterston, who played Lincoln in the 1988 Mini Series "Lincoln," recites the address and details a powerful experience that he had while preparing for the role.
The American Battlefield Trust preserves America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educates the public about what happened there and why it matters. We permanently protect these battlefields for future generations as a lasting and tangible memorial to the brave soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.

[@merrylmarsh9037]

Two favourite actors but more delightfully two great suppoters of democracy.

[@dks13827]

Martin ?? No !!!!!

[@PapagenoMF]

@@dks13827 uhhh... yes

[@Mozart1220]

@@dks13827 Shhen has been a great defender of freedom and democracy since his earliest days in Hollywood. He's highly intelligent so I can see why he would intimidate you.

[@peggyleadingham4528]

@@dks13827 you have a problem with supporting democracy?

[@balto20002]

@@dks13827 You righties just fool yourselves thinking you're not fascists.

[@MakeNumismaticsGreatAgain]

It's so great to see famous people truly appreciate history in this way and show the kind of respect that it deserves. It's easy to view all celebrities as arrogant and shallow. These two men are special people. Thank you ABT!

[@heygetoffmylawn1572]

Absolutely agree with you. They are among the last of the real actors that really felt the part they played. Sometimes I replay Gettysburg just to watch the Martin Sheen parts.

[@garymorris1856]

I agree.

[@yvonneplant9434]

Lll

[@mow4ncry]

As a combat veteran I want to thank you for doing this

[@jasmin0930]

Thank you for your service 🫡🇺🇸

[@pearldiver7]

Every American should visit the Gettysburg Battlefield and cemetery, site of the Address. Truly a profound, deeply moving experience.

[@stephenspencer4672]

Lincoln said the world 🌎 would not long remember what is said here. Ironically Lincoln's Geetysburg Address is among the among the most famous and best remembered speeches ever given by anyone anywhere.😊❤

[@elizabethwitt2621]

Amen! Lincoln was wise beyond his years and he didn't even know it. 👏👏👏👏

[@michaelhoffman5348]

Very nice to see those two acting giants together at the Hallowed Grounds of Gettysburg.

[@michaelvaughn8864]

Nice to see Martin Sheen & Sam Waterston visit Gettysburg together🙂👍 The former played General Robert E. Lee in the feature film Gettysburg, and the latter portrayed President Abraham Lincoln in a TV movie biopic concerning him. They're both wonderful actors❤

[@matthew-jy5jp]

Actually Sam was the voice of Abraham Lincoln during Ken burns Civil War series. Honestly I don't see really why it's so important famous people understand it. I think it's more important the majority of Americans understand it. Cause you are all the dummies that keep talking about having a second one, who have no understanding of the first 1

[@dougfrench8231]

​@matthew-jy5jp Who are these dummies of you speak?

[@josephhewes3923]

And both of them were miscast. Waterson was a horrible Lincoln and Sheen was a horrible Lee.

[@michaelvaughn8864]

@@josephhewes3923 So says you, Mr. Hewes🤣lol

[@njmaryannez]

@@josephhewes3923And yet every Civil War buff I know says Sheen was THE best Lee compared to every other movie or TV show ever made.

[@robertmiller3810]

I’m 80yo and I can still recite the Gettysburg Address I had to learn an recite it in my English class back in 1961. That brought me to tears, reciting it along with him so many years from my English Class and the actual event.

[@birdiel7182]

I’m amazed that this was the first known reading of the Gettysburg Address at the actual site that Lincoln stood. Thanks to all involved for posting this video.

[@victorroberts7837]

I was an undergraduate student at the University of Maryland in the early 1960's. On some Saturday nights, we would drive into Washington, DC, about 15 miles away. On some of those nights I would go to the Lincoln Memorial, which back then was open to the public 24 hours a day and usually deserted on Saturday night, and read the Gettysburg Address which is engraved into the walls of the memorial in the shadow of Abraham Lincoln. It was always an emotional experience. It is so sad that others cannot share that same experience now that our society has created the need for barriers and guards and closing the monument at night.

[@robrussell5329]

Or worse, that it's thousands of miles away for many millions of Americans. East Coasters have no idea how good they have it (I am one.)

[@elizabethwitt2621]

​@@robrussell5329Washington DC and all it's monuments and historical buildings is an experience like none other.

[@patriciaroberts308]

I'm 68 and wish I had gone in my lifetime. Especially the Lincoln Memorial!!! What a privilege and honor for you!!!

[@kooale]

@@elizabethwitt2621 It's a great great city and pleasure, yes.

[@grandmam52]

I visited there first and only time about 17 yrs ago and stood there reading that...crowds around...and felt transported. Everything shut out and it was just the weight of Lincoln's words around me. Very emotional.

[@krtrains123]

On Friday 4-5-2024 I had a family from Kentucky for a tour, the eleven year old boy had memorized the Gettysburg Address for the family visit .

[@benjaminlyng8269]

Was he home schooled kid? Props to him. I cannot get my oldest into history.

[@krtrains123]

@@benjaminlyng8269 I believe he was home schooled

[@maryblaufuss7533]

Hope that li'l shaver becomes President of the USA someday.

[@maryblaufuss7533]

@@benjaminlyng8269 Keep showing your interest in it while he is around, but don't be forceful. He may change his mind about it, years from now.

[@kooale]

@@maryblaufuss7533 I did. It only takes one charismatic public grade school teacher! THANKS teachers!

[@stevepenney6076]

Terrific, thank you Mr's Sheen and Waterston for your contribution to our way of life.

[@ernebruce5277]

We are still hearing it today. I teach history, and the one president the students know more than any others is Lincoln. It resonates to the young!

[@rachaelday6154]

I'm sitting alone in my livingroom watching this with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes 💜

[@michaelvaughn8864]

It's very overwhelming, Ms. Day😑

[@ironseabeelost1140]

Same.

[@heygetoffmylawn1572]

Yep. Two great actors that portrayed characters in our past history. They give one a real sense of how they actually were.

[@timothysheehan6979]

Ditto. What a moving read of this most touching speach

[@kevinhughes5280]

It's very nice to see this happening and thanks to these 2 actors. Some people still respect the history of our country.

[@HistorySavior1941]

With the young guy looking on as he finishes reading spoke volumes. It was something that wasn’t scripted and was one of those moments that show what the meaning of ABT and the history of this country symbolizes. It is our job to preserve history forever for future generations. That was a cool moment in this entire video. I came to see these actors who we cherish from our favorite movie read the Gettysburg Address, however, it quickly turned into something way more meaningful.

[@luannkurfis6750]

No greater words were ever spoken!! Lincoln was in my opinion was one of our greatest Presidents.

[@josephhewes3923]

Top ten at least.

[@daveenyart]

The absolute greatest.

[@kingy002]

"No greater words were ever spoken!" That's one hell of a statement. Have you been around through all of history and heard every speech? Or do you just believe in the mythologizing power of American history?

[@kingy002]

@@daveenyart Comedic

[@kingy002]

@@josephhewes3923 That's a better way of looking at it.

[@Jerry-fn5nx]

Loved Sam Waterstons portrayal of Lincoln. Martin Sheen is a wonderful actor as well and love his portrayal of Lee. I could hear that melody of Ashoken Farewell playing in the background as Sam read the address 👍

[@RavenGent]

Martin Sheen portraying Robert Lee and Sam Waterson as Lincoln was good. Both acting, voice sounded in the tv show Lincoln and movie Gettysburg is great. Beyond words.

[@LoganCarmichael]

Two fantastic entertainers and actors that have always shown a true love of history and our country's past! Sam as Lincoln in the miniseries was fantastic. Martin as Robert E. Lee in Gettysburg -- same. Two of the best actors of our time, no doubt!

[@hgoodin1013]

My Great Grandmother was there. She was 8 years old and sat on a nail keg very near the platform where he stood. Their 40 acre farm was a short distance away from the Battlefield and per my mother, she would tell about the soldiers marching past their farm.

[@paulhendershot111]

Thank you for sharing this moment with the public via this video. After all of these years (I'll be 70 this summer), I still have a chill run down my spine and tears well up when I hear the Gettysburg Address. To see it delivered where it was actually spoken by Lincoln is a special treat. Thanks, again.

[@mlbrooks4066]

A story I heard in Gettysburg. There was a kid who was a background actor/reenactor who filmed one day with Sheen playing Lee, but the kid had to walk home a great distance. Sheen was heading to where he was staying (I think the actors who were going to be there for a while had houses rented for them) and saw the kid walking along the road. He stopped and offered to take him the rest of the way home, and did. Can you imagine Mom and Dad seeing Martin Sheen letting their kid off in the driveway?

[@richardwarfordjr.5622]

I'm a big Civil War person me and my family went to Pennsylvania it was a great trip and experience anyone who is a American should see

[@danporuban1762]

Have always admired Martin Sheen for his talent and convictions. The man has always "walked it like like he talked it!" Gettysburg is a solemn monument to freedom and justice for all.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

I don’t agree with a lot of his positions, but love that guy. He’s a wonderful man and a great actor.

[@josephhewes3923]

He was the worst Robert E. Lee I've ever witnessed in film. All 5 foot 7 inches of him, looking up at everyone. What a commanding presence. LOL

[@PapagenoMF]

@@josephhewes3923 Robert E Lee was 5'10. George McClellan was 5'8". Ulysses Grant was 5'8". Maybe learn a bit of history before saying such stupid stuff?

[@hughdman]

WOW! Thank you for posting this! I was enthralled up till the point when Sam poured the contents of Lincoln's pockets into Martin's hands... then I was enthralled and weeping.

[@geoffcapp7257]

Martin Sheen is one of my favorite actors. 😊

[@heygetoffmylawn1572]

I absolutely agree. 👍😊

[@alanledzep1967]

A very close friend of mine has met him on a couple of occasions, and he told me he's the nicest guy you'll ever meet.

[@user-uq6sz6po3d]

Love Martin Sheen, except as R.E. Lee in Gettysburg. Horribly miscast.

How totally wonderful! Thank you Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen!

[@jeremyd1298]

Hey, congratulations! It was cool seeing Sheen and Waterston. Both great actors! You guys are definitely the place to go for anything Gettysburg and the Civil War!

[@Jamfan8083]

When were they there this past Saturday?

[@njmaryannez]

@@Jamfan8083Friday, the 5th, actually.

[@Jamfan8083]

Me and my son watched the Gettysburg movie on Friday night. Our family drove down Saturday and did the self guided auto tour. that is something that they were there the same weekend. It is great that Martin and Sam keep coming back and really honor the history of the Park

[@jeremyd1298]

@@Jamfan8083 I love anything 1800s and/or the Civil War. Very interesting. The old houses are so nice too. But it's kind of ghostly at the same time, which makes it even more cool.

[@EstellaBeard]

Just beautiful. What a moment for all of you! I have chills! My husband and I just keep watching it over and over! Thank you so much for sharing it online!!

[@emmettjones5165]

I remember Mr. Waterston in the role of Lincoln on TV when I was a teen. Hearing his experiences at the Library of Congress in preparation for the role was very moving, and shines a great light on the staff and purpose of the Library, and shows the depth of the personal character of Mr. Waterston as well. Mr. Sheen needs no introduction here, as his exemplary portrayal of Robert E. Lee in 'Gettysburg' speaks to his fine preparation for that role, and his presence in the video shows his commitment to our history. Thanks to ABT and all involved for this rather amazing video. Sam and Martin, thank you for these wonderful films you have given us.

[@robertrenaud958]

I became an American citizen 20 years ago. Gettysburg is part of my precious, priceless inheritance.

[@sharonwilson8208]

I was moved to tears, despite knowing the Gettysburg Address. I love Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen. ❤ This needs played all over the internet, TV, anywhere that hundreds can hear each time it's played. Perhaps the extremists will not feel this was written with them in mind, but for us all, together, not divided. 😢❤

[@almcgeehan8029]

"The world will little note nor long remember what we say here..." Well, Mr. President, your words will long echo and will forever be remembered.

[@jasmin0930]

Thank you for posting this wonderful video. The Gettysburg Address is so powerful and I feel so relevant to our nation today.

[@brendarocheck3988]

Thank you, Mr. Waterson and Mr. Sheen for doing this. I had to memorize this dedication for a test in 8th grade. Have been to Gettysburg. May our democracy never perish. I would highly recommend the books about Lincoln in the Library of America book series.

[@lori55555]

I flew in from Denver specifically to attend the Lessons from Lincoln conversation that was happened later that evening with Ken Burns and these two wonderful men. Wish I could have seen this as well!

[@RRM13]

Hello, respect, admiration, and gratitude from São Paulo, Brazil 🇧🇷🇧🇷.

[@sshaw4429]

I’m a history lover…..moved me to tears. These two men, are two of my favorites.

[@Eliot_Lear]

Let's not also forget that Waterston read that speech for the series The Civil War by Ken Burns. He does such an extraordinary job of it.

[@brianhmonks]

I just got goosebumps. God Bless the United States of America

[@anastasiabeaverhausen.]

Love you both! Thank you both from a grateful Vet 🙏🏼

[@susancalhoun9171]

I was working in Reading and before going home to Ohio I stopped and took an audio tour of Gettysburg. It was all so touching but when I got to the cemetery I was overcome. It’s and experience no one should miss.

[@McAlvie]

Chills. I literally got chills listening to him recite this.

[@earlputnal9124]

Fantastic historical moment of all time. Congrats to Sam and Martin. This was aweet.

[@wendykenney8145]

In my little hometown, American History is taught to 11th graders. Every year since the 1960s, the 11th grader with the highest grade in that class is chosen to recite the Gettysburg Address on Memorial Day at our cemetery. I love this tradition and the irony of “The world will little note nor long remember…”

[@maryturko6490]

This was wonderful to see how special this moments were for these two great actors.

[@sgtpepper1138]

Imagine being on vacation or whatever, and you run into Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston. That would be pretty epic.

[@annmcgehee1728]

This was so cool, to hear these stories and the speech given on the actual site in 1863. Wonderful!!

[@charlesbauchat3790]

Very touching moment!

[@eileenmurphy2019]

Memorized this in 5th grade some 58 years ago and I can still repeat it.

[@monicaluketich6913]

We did it in 6th grade. The teacher did it as a contest in our area , and I came in third.

[@eileenmurphy2019]

@@monicaluketich6913everyone in our 5th grade had to individually stand and recite it. Gave me a love for words.

[@terrywalters6578]

Sam Waterston delivered Lincoln’s Cooper Union speech at Cooper Union. It is appropriate that he did this today.

[@bobblackley1869]

I believe this was Friday the 5th. They talked about it at the film festival on Friday

[@mpista7182]

It is the best written speech in every way. The cadence, the content, the words themselves, and above all the meaning. Absolutely beautiful and we are so lucky to have this to cherish

[@carlrosendorf5210]

Loved Sam in the movie Lincoln and in Newsroom

[@balto20002]

Lincoln would love the levity of these folks at even such a solemn place.

[@karenpowell6063]

This is so beautiful ❤️thank y'all for sharing this amazing experience

[@k.r.truthseeker7156]

General Lee is back on the field of his greatest blunder. Hoorah!! Martin Sheen the absolute BEST General Robert E. Lee portrayal ever.

[@heygetoffmylawn1572]

Absolutely, I agree.

[@user-uq6sz6po3d]

Can't think of another portrayal of Lee. So it's both the best and the worst I've seen.

[@bigB6flyer]

We had to memorize the Gettysburg Address for 8th grade history class & say it individually in front of the class in the middle 80s. Everyone in the class, and we were from all different backgrounds in a public school, took on the task with utmost respect. Looking back, I’m glad we had to do it.

[@mlbrooks4066]

Mr. Waterston - that speech is a better monument to democracy than most monuments.

[@johnlarue2248]

What an outstanding and humbling experience to watch. Mr. Waterston, when you re-enacted the pocket items with Mr. Sheen, my jaw dropped. You must have frozen not wanting to move. Very well done ABT!

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

Beyond incredible!! Thank you for posting this marvelous bit of our fabulous American History!

[@ltcolumbo9708]

Love Love Love this video!!!! At a time when you are scorned if you show love for your history and country

[@waltbilous5898]

I love the story about the Library of Congress. This is the 2nd time I’ve heard it this weekend. Friday night’s version was in person.

[@bobblackley1869]

That was really great to hear

[@sandramosley2801]

How thrilling! And, Tim, your voice and cadence reflected well, even in that company!

[@dennisproulx3215]

Sam shares ideals similar to Lincoln. I’m glad they got this experience, least we forget this three minute speech.

[@belomolnar2128]

Thank you ABT it was great Event to be with all of you in so nice moment in time. ❤️🍀🗽🗽🗽🍾🕊🕊🇸🇰

[@ferris240]

Thank you very much for this clip

[@coastalseasider4634]

Two of my favorites reinforcing *why* they are two of my favorites.

[@raymondhummel5211]

Such a short speech with deep meaning! The proof being it is still read and recited today! Old Abe had a great way with words! Such deep emotion repressed. He told lots of great jokes too!

[@aliasfakename4183]

What a treat! Thank you for doing this. When I was young, I watched the Ken Burns Civil War series many times. To this day, whenever I read Lincoln's words, I hear Sam Waterston's voice in my head.

[@Paul-lm5gv]

Even without his makeup and not in character, he delivered a fine Gettsyburg address as Lincoln!

[@michaelknapp8961]

There’s just something about Lincoln that mesmerizes me. I know that he suffered with serious melancholy (depression) and didn’t think very much about his abilities but man was he thoughtful and patriotic. This speech really shows how thoughtful he was.

[@nancybarnett7406]

This is a beautiful video. Profound place and appreciate these gentlemen being there

[@FranDurkin-uy2dp]

Wonderful! A wake-up call to all of us.

[@tamaralorenz5216]

I absolutely respect and love Martin sheen he is just the nicest person.

[@sandrafoster8299]

I was there in March of 2015 & it was such an experience, so humbling and sad, my heart was so sad. Sadly to this day because I have changed cell phones & companies, & I need Started to print them off. We hope one day to take our kids, now 13 & 16.

[@1GoodWoman]

Thank you everyone. Sam and Martin, you are two of my favorite artists. Libraries, historical societies and You Tube are wonderful in equal measures. I truly treasure the freedom we all enjoy to be able to express our history in this way.

[@carlrosendorf5210]

Very moving ✌️ peace 2024. My son and I visited, quite the experience

[@takyram96]

That’s so special! Thank you so much for sharing. Seeing these wonderful actors appreciate history, its meaning, and contributing items to support the non-profit organizations is just so special.

[@marthavojtko6268]

Listening to that marvelous, beautiful address once again, thank you Sam, it occurs to me that a lot of that speech could apply to this country today. 💖

[@donaldcavey6241]

I'm lucky to live just 10 miles from Gettysburg. Sometimes I walk across the battlefield ,when no one is around ,and take it all in.

[@Paul-lm5gv]

The Gettysburg Address - just 272 words - is considered one of the finest examples of writing in the English language. The address lasted about two minutes while other speeches lasted hours. They are all forgotten!

[@evelynnvonfeldt2838]

At least Lincoln didn’t have to deal with sirens in the background! How inspiring! Thank you.

[@evelynnvonfeldt2838]

It’s me again, we visited Gettysburg in 2010 and we’re astounded by all of the monuments from every Confederate unit who were there. Loose, Win , or Draw, they wanted to honor the fallen.

[@nathanfisher1826]

Thank you 😊

[@bethluther3950]

This was wonderful!!!!

[@BigMrFirebird]

Nowadays, every single politician would fail the test of this address.

[@heygetoffmylawn1572]

Thank you ABT for sharing these moments with these 2 great actors with us.

[@kooale]

So fabulous! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

[@loveisds]

Sam is my favorite actor! Even today as I watch him read this Infamous Address I am just overwhelmed with heart filled gratitude to him for being one of the naturally sincere, empathic human being. To be able to deliver such an address with sincere emotion is appreciated. My heart is always full when I read any of Lincolns speeches. And I too become emotional with the beauty and power of Lincoln's written word. I am always overwhelmed with love and gratitude knowing that this beautiful country was graced by Abraham Lincoln the man and the President. If only his love and devotion for this country was evident today with our commanders in chief. Todays leaders are consumed by self and hatred of the other that only hurts the people of these United States. May we be blessed again with our successes and knowledge of our failures by our former Presidents.

[@rodfleck]

This was just so wonderful to watch. Thank you for sharing this.

[@barrycook6603]

Great actors bringing history to life! We need this more than ever.

[@billschauberger1150]

Possibly the most ironic statement of all of human history when Lincoln said “the world will little note or long remember what was said here.”

[@stevegabbert9626]

When I travel, I take State roads, and US-30 (Lincoln Highway), goes through Gettysburg. I had never been there, so I'll just swing in, check it out a little and move on. Nope...didn't happen that way. I was drawn to it and never thought it would hit me so hard. It definitely feels consecrated. All Americans should go there at least once, no matter which side of the war you came from, because both sides lost men there. Sam did that speech justice.

[@MrRosenleaf406]

I love that these two amazing actors are such good friends!

[@stephanegosselin2861]

Both were amazing in their respective roles One of my favorited tv serie ever

[@karrinwilley8079]

We spent our honeymoon @ Gettysburg in 1962 & I swear we walked the battlefield & identified places. .it was an unforgettable experience. Watching these two brilliant actors brought back to much of the beauty of our history .

[@audspod1]

Thank you for sharing this video. So informative and special as these are two of my favourite actors.

[@gloriamoline678]

Thank you all for doing that! It was beautiful

[@denton1972]

What a great initiative. It is always relevant to be reminded of the peaks of the American Creed. Very special. Thank you for doing this.

[@sherrischweigl6860]

Love these two actors. Sam did an excellent job reading the Gettysburg Address.