July 3, 1863 — The Final Day of the Battle of Gettysburg
On this day, the Battle of Gettysburg reached its climactic conclusion. After three days of unimaginable sacrifice, the Union held its ground in what would become the turning point of the American Civil War. The fields of Gettysburg were forever hallowed by the blood of thousands of Americans.
As Christians, we remember that many of the soldiers on both sides knelt in prayer before entering battle. They carried Bibles in their packs, san... moreJuly 3, 1863 — The Final Day of the Battle of Gettysburg
On this day, the Battle of Gettysburg reached its climactic conclusion. After three days of unimaginable sacrifice, the Union held its ground in what would become the turning point of the American Civil War. The fields of Gettysburg were forever hallowed by the blood of thousands of Americans.
As Christians, we remember that many of the soldiers on both sides knelt in prayer before entering battle. They carried Bibles in their packs, sang hymns around their campfires, and placed their hope in Almighty God. Though they wore different uniforms, many shared the same faith in Jesus Christ. Yet the outcome of history rests not in the hands of men, but in the sovereign will of God.
Today we honor all who gave their lives, praying that God would grant them mercy and remembering the immeasurable cost of a nation preserved. Their sacrifices remind us that freedom has always carried a great price.
Our Lord Himself said:
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." — John 15:13
Later that year, on November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln returned to Gettysburg to dedicate the Soldiers' National Cemetery. In his brief but immortal Gettysburg Address, he called the nation to remember those sacrifices and to look toward a future under God's providence.
"...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
— Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address
As modern Templars, we remember not only the battle, but the faith of those who endured it. May we continue to defend truth, pursue justice, love our neighbor, and trust in God's perfect will. Let us pray for our nation, that it may always strive to be one nation under God, seeking His wisdom, His mercy, and His righteousness.
SGT Samuel Fisher
Priory of the Calvary Cross
Militia Christi
