Sunday, May 25, 2014

Memorial Day, 2014, The Gettysburg Address,

This is Memorial Day weekend here in the United States.  The Gettysburg Address in its 269 words says it perfectly, Ken Burns in his documentary presents it well.  But Lincolns words are for all the veterans of all wars. Civil Wars can be particularly horrific.  Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane, is a classic book written about the Battle of Chancellorsville.  It is written from the point of view of a young man who enlisted to fight for the North and who wanted "glory."  It is worthwhile reading or re-reading. The writing is haunting.







8 comments:

  1. Only half the video will play, but that's OK. We watched and enjoyed the whole documentary. He sure did do a good job. Lincoln was an amazing man. Good choice for today!
    Tina @ Life is Good
    On the Open Road! @ Join us for the 4th Annual Post-Challenge Road Trip!

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  2. Thanks Tina: Did you see the Gettysburg address though? Oh do I need help from the experts like you ;)

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  3. Hi Nat .. I'll be back tomorrow to relisten .. as Ken Burns tells it well .. as you mention ..

    It's good to be reminded how a good speech is short and succinct .. then it's memorable all these years later ..

    Cheers Hilary

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  4. Hi Nat - such an interesting video clip .. and I must listen again having acquired some more knowledge of the Gettysburg address itself and the timing etc .. Crane's book looks very interesting ... but I couldn't see how he died .. he was so young ... 29.

    It's a great clip to hold on your blog ... and well worth remembering .. cheers Hilary

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    1. I now see he died of TB at 28 and had financial difficulties ... I checked his Wiki entry .. which has his details .. Hilary

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  5. Thanks for all the information about Crane. There is also a movie "Red Badge of Courage" directed by John Huston that was very good. When I was in the UK, I found that the other British college students knew more about American Literature than I did. It was very humbling.

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  6. Hello Natasha. This is a very appropriate post for Memorial Day. I know the film but have not read the book of 'Red Badge of Courage'. I do find it fascinating how war produces some of the best novels, poetry and films and newspapers!. See my last post for an explanation.....
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. It's true. Even from the past like "The Great War," the poetry of Wilfred Owens and Kipling's lament for his son who was killed there too, "My Boy Jack."

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