Abraham Lincoln gave a speech at the dedication of the Gettysburg Cemetery on November 19, 1863. He began by noting that the battlefield was consecrated by those who fought and died there. Lincoln said the living must dedicate themselves to continuing the unfinished work of the cause of equality and freedom that the soldiers fought for. He concluded by calling for shared devotion to the vision of a new birth of freedom and a government of, by, and for the people that shall not perish.
2. Who, What, When, Where, Why A new nation Engaged in a civil war A few months ago; Four score and seven years ago On a great battle field Here to dedicate this battle field 11/19/1863
3. BUT... We cannot dedicate / consecrate ourselves Men, living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it already We need to dedicate ourselves instead to unfinished work... 11/19/1863
4. Our task A great task lies before us We take increased devotion to the cause Resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain 11/19/1863
5. 11/19/1863 In conclusion… Shared vision New birth of freedom Gov’t of/for/by the people shall not perish from the earth
