At Gettysburg, Remembering Memorial Day's History

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

DRU ANNE NEIL

717-338-1243

At Gettysburg, Remembering Memorial Day's History in a New Way

Survey Shows Memorial Day Has Different Meaning for Americans

Gettysburg , PA (May 23, 2008)— With Memorial Day just around the corner, cities across America are planning activities to honor soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in service to their country. For many, a reading of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address has become an important part of that tradition.

To learn more about Americans' knowledge of the history of Memorial Day and how they observe it, the Gettysburg Foundation commissioned a survey to gauge their understanding of and appreciation for the meaning of the holiday.

How Americans Observe Memorial Day

The survey results(1) show that a majority of Americans -- 82 percent -- agree it is very important that we pause to honor the men and women who have died serving their country. And while a sizable majority agreed on the importance of the day, less than one quarter knew that it had its beginnings in the Civil War era.

" When you think about it," Gettysburg Foundation President Robert C. Wilburn notes, "our country's first Memorial Day probably occurred on November 19, 1863, when Abraham Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Pennsylvania."

It was shortly after the Civil War, Wilburn said, that separate traditions to honor the sacrifices of Union and Confederate soldiers began. It would take years before Memorial Day became a tribute not only to all of the Civil War dead, but to soldiers who have given their lives in all of the nation's wars.

While 71 percent of survey respondents said they would observe Memorial Day in some way, just 15 percent said they would honor the sacrifices of the nation's soldiers by spending time at a national cemetery or battlefield. Another 15 percent said they would attend a Memorial Day event.

Sixty-nine percent of respondents said they would be interested in spending Memorial Day in Gettysburg. Among adults ages 18-24, that number grew to 81 percent.

"We are pleased to see how well Americans make the connection between present-day Memorial Day and the significance of what happened at Gettysburg 145 years ago," Wilburn said. "But it is also important to remember that any day is an appropriate day to remember those who have sacrificed for our country."

The Gettysburg Experience: Honoring America's Civil War Heroes

The 6,000 acre Gettysburg Battlefield, the Soldiers' National Cemetery and a new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park offer a number of opportunities for visitors to reflect on and draw inspiration from the sacrifices of the soldiers, and the words of Abraham Lincoln.

Fifty-three percent of survey respondents knew that when Lincoln began his speech with "Four score and seven years ago," he was referring to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Overall, 55 percent of respondents said they considered the Gettysburg Address Lincoln's greatest pronouncement. For respondents ages 18-24, a majority (52 percent) opted instead for the Emancipation Proclamation.

One gallery in the new museum is devoted to the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg, as townspeople not only dealt with the devastation and need to rebuild, but also embarked immediately on a plan to honor the Union dead with the creation of a Soldiers' National Cemetery. Another examines veterans' efforts to help future generations understand what had occurred here with the creation of what is now Gettysburg National Military Park. A third gallery focuses soley on the significance of the Gettysburg Address, including a reading of the 272-word speech, several interactive stations that help visitors interpret its meaning, and exhibits showing reaction from the North and South.

A feature film, "A New Birth of Freedom," narrated by Morgan Freeman, tells the story of the battle and its aftermath, including the Gettysburg Address.

"At some point in our lives, most of us have probably had to memorize all or part of the Gettysburg Address," Wilburn said. "But how many of us have been challenged to undestand what it means? We hope all visitors to Gettysburg leave with a better understanding of the significance of what happened here and inspired by the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers."

Gettysburg, "Our County's Common Ground," is located in south central Pennsylvania, about nine miles north of the Maryland state line. It is about 55 miles from Baltimore, Md., and Thurgood Marshall Baltimore Washington International Airport, and about 85 miles from Washington, D.C., Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The Gettysburg Foundation, http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org , is a private, nonprofit educational organization working in partnership with the National Park Service to enhance preservation and understanding of the heritage and lasting significance of Gettysburg.

About the New Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park

The Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park is open daily, except Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and January 1. Hours of operation: 8 a.m. -- 5 p.m. in winter, 8 a.m. -- 6 p.m. in spring and fall, and 8 a.m. -- 7 p.m. in summer.

Timed tickets to the feature film, A New Birth of Freedom, are $8 for adults (ages 13 and up), $6.50 for youth (ages 6-12) and free for children (ages 5 and under) through September 25, 2008. Beginning September 26, combined admission to the feature film and Gettysburg Cyclorama painting experience will be $12 for adults (ages 13 and up), $10 for youth (ages 6-12) and free for children (ages 5 and under).

For more information, call 866-889-1243 or visit http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org or http://www.nps.gov/gett .

(1) The survey included 1,000 American adults, age 18 or older. The sample is balanced to be representative of the general population based upon gender, age and region from the U.S. Census Bureau.

—30—