Today, as Americans celebrate Independence Day, the Gettysburg National Military Park is hosting day seven of a ten-day celebration for another significant historical event: the Battle of Gettysburg. According to CNN, thousands of people flocked to the park to take part in the various commemorative events for the 150th anniversary of the civil war battle that cost 51,000 lives and lasted from July 1 to July 3 of 1863. The highlight of the festivities was the three-day reenactment of the battle, portrayed at Bushey Farm by 10,000 reenactors— including 200 playing civilians.
Passion, personal connections and tradition helped draw participants. Jan Callanan told USA Today correspondent Greg Toppo that the anniversary was personal for her and her family; she's visited Gettysburg regularly since childhood, and her also-present son-in-law, Erik Greenwalt, had ancestors who fought in the battle.
In an interview with CNN, Mike Litterst, of the National Parks Service, offered his opinion of why the celebration is so important."I think it is an opportunity for people to have a deeper understanding of what happened here and how it is still relevant in 21st century America," said Litterst.
Festivities will continue through July 7. National Park Services has the complete schedule.
Check out the CBS video coverage of the event: