Although my own remarks at the dedication of Soldier's National Cemetery in Gettysburg, PA were a mere three minutes long, my contemporary, Edward Everett, played a more prominent role in the dedication ceremony by giving the Oration. His speech "connected the heroic struggle for freedom in the classical and modern worlds with the valor and sacrifice demonstrated on America's battlefields. He justified the Union cause and predicted that the North and South would eventually reconcile, leading to a restored and stronger Union." Read the entire oration here.
Everett had an illustrious political career as a US Congressman, Governor of Massachusetts, and Secretary of State for President Millard Fillmore. He also served as Harvard's president from 1846 to 1849 (although he was rather unpopular with the students; they coined him "Old Granny" in reference to his displeasure over the undisciplined nature of the students). Read his biography from the Harvard Square Library.
Everett was a gracious colleague. Following my remarks at Gettysburg, he sent me a quick note praising the "eloquent simplicity and appropriateness" of my words. View a copy of the letter here as part of the American Treasures at The Library of Congress.
Unfortunately, Everett's words were eclipsed by my remarks on that day of dedication. However, his gift of oration will never be truly forgotten.
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