A Historic Battle

 June 23 to July 4 of this year commemorates the 160th anniversary of Gettysburg, the single largest battle on American soil in the history of this nation.  Plans for this commemoration have been in the making for 10 years.  I am proud to own a pipe I bought in Gettysburg, although now I am certain my pipe has no connection to Gettysburg.  But Gettysburg is where more men died in the Cuvil War than any other battle.

I have been to Gettysburg at least a few times in my lifetime and I can tell you each visit has been a solemn experience for me, especially the last two visits.  I would encourage most anyone to experience Gettysbutg at least once in their lifetime.  The three day battle saw anywhere from 46,000 to 51,000 die in a three day battle there.  I can tell you that the effects of that battle are felt by visitors today.  

Yes, Gettysburg has had its share of haunting by ghosts through the years as Gettysburg just might be the most haunted grounds in the world.  One can not visit Gettysburg and not feel changed by the carnage that took place 160 years years ago.  Even though my Gettysburg tobacco pipe has no connection to Gettysburg per se, for me it a reminder of all I experienced with each and every visit.

I often wonder whether a decendant of a soldier from Gettysburg owned my pipe.  I can't say one way or another because I know nothing about this pipe other than what I have read about it.  But even to this day, memories of Gettysburg are etched into the minds of every American one way or another.  It is etched into the minds of every American school child.  Talk of the Civil War always brings up images of Gettysburg.  

A total of 688,222 soldiers died in the Civil War.  More than half of those were Union soldiers.  Gettysburg marks the turning of the Civil War.  I don't want to belabor the atrocity of warfare, but Gettysburg is a reminder to every American to not repeat history.  Gettysburg teaches that in spite of our differences no one wants another Gettysburg.  It is a place where re-enactors shake hands and go home when the re-enactments are over.  

For the observers it is a reminder as to how bloody and awful War is.  Gettysburg is a reminder to every American to not repeat history.  I smoke a pipe, which is something many men on both sides did.  Pipe smoking has always served to remind the pipe smoker to always be civil and open minded.  It prevents foolish words from being said.  Pipe smoking lends itself to thought.  Pipe smoking makes a gentleman out of every man who smokes a pipe.  I would extend this to say every person who smokes a pipe.  

It matters not what one smokes in a pipe, but a pipe is a tool for relaxation and pleasure.  And now it seems most anyone can smoke a pipe.  The American Indians introduced the pipe and tobacco to the the new Europians and we've never looked back.  I'm hoping for the sake of peace the pipe is always with us.  It is more than just a pipe.  It IS Peace.  I'm smoking my Nording pipe this morning with Autumn Evening pipe tobacco.  All is right in MY world.  Thank you for your time, and as always, Peace to each one of you.

Dave