159 years ago today a three day battle of the Civil War in the United States began in a small town called Gettysburg. The battle stretched over July 1, 2 & 3 in and around the town before the Confederate army began to retreat South. This battle of Gettysburg is noted as a pivotal point in the war between the States, and is presented to youngsters who study history. I recollect learning the basics when I was a kid - especially because, being from Pennsylvania, this battle was "in our backyard".
But it was only thirty years ago that I developed a keen interest in this quiet Central Pennsylvania town and the battle that made it famous. At that time I was pastor of the Church of Saint Paul in Greensburg (by the way, exactly 150 miles to the West of Gettysburg on Route 30). My associate was Mike Ripple who had a special love of Gettysburg. He had a distant relative that was deployed there during the battle.
My love for things about the battle and the location had little to do with the military tactics (that's not my thing) but rather on the personal interest stories, the human elements of this struggle, and of the quiet peacefulness that I find in this place of great bloodshed and carnage. I watched movies, read books, collected artwork, visited often and hold fond memories of experiences over the years. Many times I drove Route 30, over the rolling hills and through small towns to enjoy walking the battlefields or having dinner at the Dobbin House (a great historic place to eat).
Mike and I have remained great friends for these thirty years and I am grateful that he "reintroduced" me to Gettysburg. On Monday of this week Mike and his family shared the loss of their Dad. George Ripple, known to many as Pappy, died peacefully at the age of 98 at home. George has been a good friend to me as well, and I pray for his Eternal Peace in glory.
As I get older and as our struggle with the pandemic has made the pain of loss and death more impactful because of "distancing" and as more and more of my friends and acquaintances have died I find myself reflecting upon death more. Gettysburg 159 year ago was all about death and destruction. But today it is about learning lessons, celebrating peace and living life quietly. A good lesson for me and all of us to contemplate.
