A resolution commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and the significance of this battle in the history of the United States.

Whereas, between July 1 and July 3, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was the turning point for the Union Army in the American Civil War;

Whereas the Battle of Gettysburg was the battle with the largest number of casualties in the American Civil War;

Whereas, on November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery;

Whereas over 3,500 soldiers were buried at the Soldiers' National Cemetery after losing their lives in the battle;

Whereas reconciliation between the North and the South began at Gettysburg through warm and respectful post-war reunions that featured peace walk reenactments of Pickett’s Charge in 1887, 1913, and 1938;

Whereas the Gettysburg battlefield was designated as a National Military Park in 1895;

Whereas the residents of Gettysburg helped to preserve the land that now serves as the Gettysburg National Military Park, including the Soldiers' National Cemetery and the Gettysburg battlefield; and

Whereas more than 1,000,000 people travel each year to visit the park, museum, and visitor center: Now, therefore, be it