This is a beautiful cemetery remembering the soldiers that fought in Gettysburg. The first thing you notice when you walk in is the silence. It's expected that you will be quiet and reverent while you are visiting. The monuments are beautiful, as is each monument in Gettysburg.
One of the more interesting aspects are the markers for the trees which give names for each type growing there. There are quotes from the poem, "Bivouac of the Dead" written by Theodore O'Hara, throughout the cemetery on plaques, which should be read by all.
The unmarked graves are heartbreaking. They range from "Unknown" engraved in the stone rings that surround the Soldiers National Monument to markers simply engraved with numbers and nothing else.
Many people leave pennies on the monuments, face up in respect. Usually there are more at the Lincoln Address Monument than anywhere else.
This is so worth seeing, to pay respects, to remember. It's also just a beautiful quiet place to...
Read moreThe experience at Gettysburg was a solemn venture. It is a free self-guide tour, or if you want a more detailed experience, there are available tour guides in the area. Our family choose the self guided exploration of the grounds. It was an honor to walk among the beautiful landscape, immaculate stones, and to see the craftsmanship of the monuments here. There is a bit of walking, so make sure to bring some water or even a snack. The park can be fully explored in few hours. There was a parking lot adjacent to the park that had adequate parking. There is also a museum on the grounds, but it was not open when we visited here. What a great source of American history for the family! A must see if you’re traveling...
Read moreOur motel was close too here. We walked it ourselves in a self guided tour. Lots of status and plaques too read. So many people died it really gives you more of a perspective on the sacrifices that were made. I couldn't believe all the graves marked unknown. You can easily walk through here in under two hours. So many rabbits were running around and were not even scared of us as we approached. If you have small children they will definitely be bored walking through here. Part of the cemetery was closed and blocked off so we were unable...
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