November 19, 1863 — Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address
At the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, months after the war's bloodiest battle, Lincoln spoke for about two minutes — 272 words. He recast the whole war as a test of whether a nation "conceived in liberty" could endure, and rededicated the living to "government of the people, by the people, for the people." The main orator that day spoke for two hours; no one remembers a word of it.
★ Founding DayNovember 19 marks Gettysburg Address — since 1863
In 1863: Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address. At the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, months after the war's bloodiest battle, Lincoln spoke for about two minutes — 272 words.
Why is November 19 significant?
At the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, months after the war's bloodiest battle, Lincoln spoke for about two minutes — 272 words. He recast the whole war as a test of whether a nation "conceived in liberty" could endure, and rededicated the living to "government of the people, by the people, for the people." The main orator that day spoke for two hours; no one remembers a word of it.
Is November 19 an American holiday or anniversary?
Yes — November 19 marks the anniversary of Gettysburg Address, dating to 1863. Lincoln redefines the nation — of the people, by the people, for the people.
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