We picked up our guide at the visitor center and headed for the battlefield. It was a beautiful afternoon, a bit cool, but the sun was shining. We heard stories of Generals and young boys who fought on those 3 days that changed the direction of the war and ultimately the history of our country. We heard stories of southern troops and northern troops. Troops that marched 26 miles in one day and then lead a charge up "little round top" to their death. We heard about decisions that were made and weren't made...some for the better and some were tactical errors.
But what touches me everytime I hear it is the story of the Brigade from Minnesota. 260+ men
who in a moment that could of changed the battle were called upon to basically sacrifice themselves and give the Union a few minutes to get more men in position. 260+ men ran to meet the oncoming 1500 confederate soldiers. They put up a fight that was successful in the outcome, but for those Minnesotans...it was fatal. 82% of them died on the battlefield in about 15 minutes. Everytime I stand by the memorial erected in their honor I look over the field and I see them meeting the enemy and sacrificing it all for the greater cause. It's humbling and it reminds me of the sacrifice of many so that I can do things like drive a motorcoach around this wonderful country of ours and recall this and other great stories of heroes, valor, sacrifice and honor.
who in a moment that could of changed the battle were called upon to basically sacrifice themselves and give the Union a few minutes to get more men in position. 260+ men ran to meet the oncoming 1500 confederate soldiers. They put up a fight that was successful in the outcome, but for those Minnesotans...it was fatal. 82% of them died on the battlefield in about 15 minutes. Everytime I stand by the memorial erected in their honor I look over the field and I see them meeting the enemy and sacrificing it all for the greater cause. It's humbling and it reminds me of the sacrifice of many so that I can do things like drive a motorcoach around this wonderful country of ours and recall this and other great stories of heroes, valor, sacrifice and honor.Then today we drive into Philadelphia....the birthplace of our country. July 4, 1776 the 
Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall and our country with all of it's freedoms became a reality. To see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and to walk where our forefathers walked is pretty awesome. It's humbling and it makes one proud to be an American.
Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall and our country with all of it's freedoms became a reality. To see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and to walk where our forefathers walked is pretty awesome. It's humbling and it makes one proud to be an American.Tonight we are in Alexandria, VA. As we arrived here we could just get a glimpse of DC. The Washington Monument rising high with the Jefferson Memorial in the foreground. Tomorrow we tour our nations Capital. Many of our travelers haven't been here before, what a priviledge it will be to show them this beautiful city the Capital of our Great Country.
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