Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) today announced that their resolution to recognize the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, and encourage the people of the United States to visit Gettysburg National Military Park has passed the U.S. Senate.
“Gettysburg was the site of the one of the most defining battles in our nation’s history, so it is only fitting that the Senate honors the 150th anniversary of the battle,” said Senator Casey. “We owe a great debt to those who fought and died there to preserve our nation and in the pursuit of liberty for all Americans. I am glad Senator Toomey has joined me to commemorate this historic occasion.”
"The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the war and a defining moment for our country,” said Senator Toomey. “The participants helped chart the course for freedom and the preservation of the union. I am pleased to work with Senator Casey to ensure the Senate recognizes the 150th anniversary of the battle and encourages Americans to come to Gettysburg to discover, study, and appreciate our history and those who made it fighting there.”
The Battle of Gettysburg was fought from July 1st to 3rd in 1863 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It is widely regarded as the turning point for the Union Army in the Civil War, as well as the battle that saw the most casualties.
The full text of the resolution is below:
Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and the significance of this battle in American History
Whereas, between July 1 and July 3, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was the turning point for the Union Army in the American Civil War;
Whereas the Battle of Gettysburg was the battle with the largest number of casualties in the American Civil War;
Whereas, on November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery;
Whereas over 3,500 soldiers were buried at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery after losing their lives in the battle;
Whereas reconciliation between North and South began at Gettysburg through warm and respectful post-war reunions that featured peace walk reenactments of Pickett’s Charge in 1887, 1913 and 1938;
Whereas the Gettysburg Battlefield was designated as a National Military Park in 1895;
Whereas the residents of Gettysburg helped to preserve the land that now serves as the Gettysburg National Military Park, including the Soldiers’ National Cemetery and the Gettysburg Battlefield;
Whereas more than 1,000,000 people travel each year to visit the park, museum, and visitor center: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate –
(1) recognizes the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg;
(2) recognizes the historical significance in the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg, which helped to preserve the United States; and
(3) encourages the people of the United States to visit Gettysburg National Military Park to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.
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