The March of History: From Gettysburg 1938 to Today
The town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, has long been synonymous with the American Civil War. The rolling hills and open fields that surround this historic town have borne witness to some of the most significant moments in the nation’s history. In 1863, Gettysburg was the site of a pivotal battle that turned the tide of the Civil War. But Gettysburg’s history doesn’t end there. As the years have passed, the town has continued to play a role in commemorating and reflecting on the events that shaped America. One of the most poignant and vivid moments in Gettysburg’s more recent history occurred in July 1938, when a parade commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg brought together veterans of the Civil War and members of the 12th U.S. Infantry. Decades later, in May 2025, the town would once again gather in the heart of its historic square, this time with a wider lens, capturing a day that symbolized the ever-evolving connection between history and memory.
The images of these two moments in time—one from 1938, when the veterans of the Civil War marched through the town, and one from 2025, where modern Gettysburg thrives in the shadows of its storied past—offer a powerful glimpse into the passage of time. They provide a view into how Gettysburg has transformed from a place of battlefield carnage to a center of reflection, heritage, and civic life. These moments, though separated by nearly nine decades, both speak to the enduring legacy of the past and how history continues to shape the town, the nation, and the memories of those who come to visit.
In this piece, we will take a journey through the historical tapestry of Gettysburg, tracing the significance of the 1938 parade and its symbolism, while also looking ahead to the vibrant life of Gettysburg today, with a focus on its modern-day town square, where time continues to weave together the threads of history, remembrance, and progress.
The 1938 Gettysburg Parade: A Historic Reunion
In July 1938, the town of Gettysburg witnessed a remarkable moment in American history. The event was a parade like no other—a reunion of veterans from the Civil War, marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. The town square was transformed into a gathering place for those who had lived through the brutal war that nearly tore the nation apart. For many, the parade was more than just a commemoration of the battle—it was a moment of healing, a chance for the nation to reflect on the sacrifices made and the cost of war.
The parade itself was a symbol of reconciliation. The survivors of the Civil War, now elderly men, marched side by side in a demonstration of unity. For decades, the scars of the war had festered, and the divisions between North and South remained palpable. But in 1938, as World War II loomed on the horizon, there was a quiet hope that the wounds of the Civil War might finally be healing. The veterans, both Union and Confederate, stood shoulder to shoulder as they marched down the streets of Gettysburg. This was not just a parade of men—it was a parade of history itself, one that bridged generations and served as a reminder of the sacrifices made to preserve the Union.
The presence of the 12th U.S. Infantry in the parade was significant. The regiment, which had fought in the Battle of Gettysburg and played a crucial role in the outcome of the conflict, represented the enduring legacy of the soldiers who had fought and died on those very fields. The sight of the modern-day soldiers marching in the same footsteps as their ancestors was a poignant reminder that the spirit of Gettysburg—of sacrifice, honor, and duty—had endured for 75 years. As the parade moved through the town, with the veterans riding in open cars and the soldiers marching with precision, it was impossible not to feel the weight of history in the air.
For the townspeople, the parade was a moment of reflection. It was a chance to honor the men who had fought and died on those fields and to acknowledge the complex, painful history of the Civil War. But it was also a moment of optimism. In 1938, the country was still reeling from the effects of the Great Depression, and the specter of another global conflict was looming on the horizon. Yet, the sight of these men, once divided by war, now coming together in peace, gave hope to the idea that reconciliation and unity were possible—even in the face of overwhelming division.
Gettysburg Today: A Modern-Day Reflection of History
Fast-forward nearly 90 years to May 2025. The town of Gettysburg is not a place defined solely by its past; it is a vibrant community that continues to thrive and grow. The battlefield that once echoed with the sounds of cannon fire and marching soldiers is now a place of peace and reflection. The town square, where the 1938 parade took place, is still at the heart of the town, but now, it serves as a living testament to the legacy of the Civil War while embracing the future.
In 2025, Gettysburg’s town square is a hub of activity. The quaint streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, creating a blend of old-world charm and modern convenience. Visitors from around the world come to Gettysburg not only to learn about the Battle of Gettysburg but also to experience the living history of the town. The town square itself is a symbol of the passage of time—where the old and the new come together in a dynamic, ever-evolving community.
The day in May 2025, when the camera pans across the town square from the Gettysburg Hotel, captures the essence of what Gettysburg has become. The streets are bustling with people, but the presence of the past is never far away. The National Park Service maintains the battlefield, where visitors can walk the same paths that soldiers once did, reflecting on the battle and its consequences. The town square itself, while modern in appearance, still carries the weight of history, with monuments and plaques commemorating the sacrifices of those who fought and died here.
In the square, life moves forward. Children play in the park, families gather for meals, and tourists snap photos in front of the historic buildings. It is a place where the echoes of the past mix with the sounds of the present, where history is both preserved and celebrated. The town, once the site of a fierce battle, now serves as a symbol of resilience and the strength of a nation that endured its darkest days and emerged stronger.
The Continuation of Legacy: Lessons Learned from History
The contrast between the 1938 parade and the modern-day life of Gettysburg speaks to the evolution of how we remember history. The veterans who marched through the town in 1938 were bearing witness to a time long gone, yet their presence offered a vision of reconciliation and the possibility of healing. Today, the town is still a place of reflection, but it is also a place where lessons are learned, and the future is embraced.
Gettysburg’s legacy is not just about the past; it is about the way we honor that past and use it to build a better future. The parade of 1938, while marking a specific moment in time, was also a symbol of the ongoing process of coming to terms with the scars of history. It was a reminder that while the battles may be fought on the ground, the real struggle is in how we choose to remember, reconcile, and learn from the past.
In 2025, the people of Gettysburg continue to wrestle with these same questions, albeit in a different context. The lessons of the Civil War—of sacrifice, division, and the cost of freedom—remain as relevant today as they were nearly 160 years ago. The town continues to serve as a reminder that while history may never be erased, it is up to us to shape its meaning and to ensure that the lessons of the past are passed down to future generations.
The Power of Memory and Legacy
As the camera pans across the town square in May 2025, it’s clear that Gettysburg remains a place of profound significance. It is not just a town with a rich history—it is a place where that history is still felt, still discussed, and still taught. The ghosts of the past may linger in the wind that sweeps through the streets, but they are not a burden. Instead, they are a reminder of what was endured and the sacrifices that were made.
The parade in 1938 was a moment of unity, but it was also a reflection of the long road that America had traveled since the Civil War. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for those who had once been divided by war. Today, Gettysburg’s town square serves as a place where we can come together, not just to reflect on the past, but to honor the lessons it has taught us. The stories of those who fought, those who suffered, and those who rebuilt are woven into the fabric of the town, and they continue to shape its future.
In the years that have passed since 1938, Gettysburg has proven that the past, while powerful, does not define us. It is a place where the echoes of history meet the footsteps of the present, and where the future is always waiting to be written.
