What History Means To Me

1999 Winning Essay, Middle School

History holds me in a vise-like grip of immense fascination. I ponder past occurrences and wonder what the smells were like that day, the tastes, and above all, the feelings. I wonder what it would have been like to watch the first man on the moon or sail with Columbus and discover America. I daydream of what it was like on that fateful day when Kennedy was assassinated, when Dr. Martin Luther King gave his famous, "I have a Dream" speech, or when General Robert E. Lee of the Confederate States of America surrendered his torn remnants of a Rebel army to General U.S. Grant of the Federal army at Appomatox Courthouse, Virginia. I like to pretend that I am someone else from the past and imagine their experience because history means much to me.

Especially intriguing to me is the U.S. Civil War. If you stop and think of the circumstances, it would surprise you. To realize that everything history means to this nation, freedom and unity, could have been destroyed is appalling. Everything every explorer or new settler did to give this country unity and freedom could have been wasted. I believe that is the reason for my great interest in the Civil War.

The Civil War battles began on April 12, 1861 with firing on Fort Sumter in Charleston, SC. The war raged on until April 9, 1865, but the decisive battle actually occurred in the early part of July in 1864. It was fought at a tiny Pennsylvania town, close to Washington, called Gettysburg.

I was lucky enough to tour the battlegrounds of Gettysburg. As I strolled through a broad field surrounded by shabby post and rail fences, I noted its major past. On that field, one of the most devastating and horribly entrancing charges had taken place over 130 years ago. Major General George Pickett, on order from General Robert E. Lee, in a last effort to save the battle, had rallied his troops to charge the Union position. His troops, although weary and few, responded with enthusiasm. I stood there and thought with a horrified fascination that certain death was unavoidable. They knew how important the battle was toward their hopes as a free country. They valiantly went into battle, and many died on the battlefield upon which I then stood.

I find that uncommon show of valor and courage, although towards dismantling our country, important. What history means to me is the courage displayed in one's beliefs. As a united country, with the right beliefs based on assisting the less fortunate, we can do much to help better the state of the world.

After the dire consequences from Pickett's charge, the South was forced to flee back home. About eight months later, the Confederates were forced to crumble beneath the strong hand of the Union. The country became whole again and slaves were free.

In short, what history means to me is the efforts of past countrymen to help better unite this country, to make all men created equally, and to give freedom to everyone. These actions give me great reason to appreciate the past and its brave souls.

by P. C. Kleist, Jr.
Sponsoring Teacher: Mrs. G. Anderson
Pennsylvania
March 15, 1999