Gettysburg Reenactment 2009

So recently I read the book "Killer Angels" and LOVED it. I had purchased it a while ago and then in a conversation with my Dad found out it was his favorite book, so I knew I had to read it. Well it is an incredible book and I recommend it to everyone (just ask Kim, Tim, Uncle Russell and so on..haha). It is a historical fiction novel about the battle of Gettysburg, but the only thing that is fictionalized is the actual dialogue between the men..which is based on their diaries and letters..so it's a very accurate account of what led to Gettysburg as told from the perspectives of the Generals. I just ate it up..such a great read. The TNT mini series "Gettysburg" is actually based on the book, which I of course watched after reading it.

With all that said, you can now understand my overwhelming excitement for the Gettysburg Reenactment, I was so happy when Amanda said she'd love to go and so on July 3rd we drove up and participated in all that is Civil War reenactments and just ate it up! It was so much fun.
Here is the entrance to the Reenactment...so authentic :)

Amanda and I with Col. Chamberlain. I was so excited to meet this guy because I have a little historical crush on Chamberlain, which this great Living actor must have sensed because he totally hit on us! It was hilarious! He was so in character and then all of a sudden he's asking if we're married and getting all cozy..apparently his true New Jersey self was slipping out ;) When I told my Dad about this, he said to go for it since Chamberlain is/was a great man! Haha. Thanks Dad, hitching me up with dead guys... ;)

Here's what the actual Chamberlain looked like. I think they did a pretty good job casting him. All these guys had real facial hair, they must spend all year growing them out. It was pretty awesome.

Here is another shot of the stud that is Chamberlain. I'm telling you, read your history books..this guy and his bayonet charge down Little Round Top makes him pretty hot.. :)

Here's General Buford. Another Union General represented at Gettysburg. This guy got the high ground for the Union..which was a key factor in their victory at Gettysburg.

Here would be General Robert E. Lee. This guy really did have a presence. He walked by and shook our hands..and everyone was cheering for him when he started to speak. Apparently a lot of people at the Reenactment didn't quite like the way the war turned out...haha..funny, but a little unnerving when it's been roughly 150 years and I think we can all agree saving the Union and ending slavery was a good thing, right?!

The Confederate leaders addressing the crowd. When Pickett spoke, I admit I got a little teary eyed...he lost his whole division in the last charge, it's a moving part in the book and movie.

General Longstreet. Yes he was a Confederate, but he was still an impressive man. He tells most of the story in "Killer Angels" and I just really respected him by the end of the book.

A live mortar demonstration. Pretty dang cool I'd say.

Actual Gettysburg battlefield. For obvious reasons the reeactment is not staged on the real sites, so we drove over afterwards to check it all out. It was an incredibly reverent place. I mean here it was the middle of the day, July 4th weekend, people everywhere and you could still feel a quiet stillness in this hallowed place.

Col. Chamberlain quote describing the bayonet charge down Little Round Top.

A memorial for Chamberlain's men, the 20th Maine. True Heroes.

Standing on Little Round Top looking down on the rest of the battlefield.

I loved this day. I'm so glad we were able to go and see the reenactment and drive through the actual battlefield. Made me so grateful for our nation and those who serve her and defend our freedoms. And I love the history that surrounds me, a great reminder of the price that has been paid for us today. I hope I never forget it and never take it for granted. God Bless America!