Through Mr. Fitzpatrick’s presentation we will gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the immortal Gettysburg Address in the context of the pivotal
Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in July 1863.
+ He will discuss the enormous personal, political and policy pressures impacting President Lincoln as he prepared the speech and when he presented it some four and one-half months after that battle.
+ How did a careworn, concerned and conflicted President Lincoln, in the midst of the great American Civil War with no end in sight, who was not chosen as the keynote speaker, prepare and present his short, two-minute speech?
+ How were those pressures actually played out in the Gettysburg Address?
+ What were his purposes and how did he achieve them?
John J. Fitzpatrick, Jr., Esq. is an Attorney, Arbitrator; Reenactor, Veteran and Licensed Battlefield Guide Emeritus at the Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania. Captain, USMC; Colonel, USAFR (Ret.). The year 2013 marks his 10th year of guiding at Gettysburg. He divides his time between his homes in the Lamorinda area and Pennsylvania. He has spoken on this topic many times before groups both locally and nationally to great acclaim.
Toured Gettysburg this past May with John as out personal guide. Was totally amazed at his level of knowledge and understanding of the battle and Civil War in general. Will be interested in hearing him speak further on topic of President Lincoln’s address. Looking forward to it !!