Gettysburg is one of my favorite places, I’ve been there hundreds of times.

It’s extremely wise for @joebiden to go there to speak about national unity and our values.

Lincoln’s was not the primary speaker in Nov 1863, months after the battle, but his words resonate today.1/

Edwin Everett, a famous orator of that period, was the main speaker. He attracted a large crowd & he gave a grand speech for over 2 hours.

President Lincoln, as an afterthought, was asked to provide “a few remarks.” He spoke 272 words & it took just under 2 minutes. 2/

What was unique in Lincoln’s speech was the use of key words: we, us, dedication to unfinished work, a reference to our nations documents, what should unite rather than divide us. 3/

“It is for us the living...to be dedicated...to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is...for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us....” 4/

“We take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” 5/

Extremely powerful words by Lincoln, as he knew the nation had been divided for 4 years, and the future depended on him reuniting the nation to meet our aspirational goals that had been determined 4 score and 7 years prior to his speech...our Declaration of Independence. 6/

Like I said. A smart move for @JoeBiden to go there, to remind us of who we are, who we need to be in the future. 7/7. @NSLforBiden