A defining moment in American history, the tragic battle of Gettysburg is now recognized as a turning point in the Civil War. However, in its time it served to confirm the realization throughout both North and South that this war was being pursued at almost incalculable human cost. It was this lamentable backdrop that inspired one of our nation's most stirring and memorable speeches, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Here is a stirring setting for band with optional narration that will prove to be a powerful statement on your next concert. There are clear opportunities for cross-curricular study with U.S. history.