Ryan Goldberg
This weekend I attended the Longstreet Memorial Fund Symposium in Gettysburg. It was the most interesting tours I have ever. Unlike the past two seminars, this one had three guided, walking tours of places that played large parts in Longstreet's attack on the second day.One of the tours was of Hood's advance and assault on Little Round Top. It was led by Dr. Carol Reardon. She was most informative. We formed into the four brigades of Hood's division, and marched from the base of Big Round Top to Devil's Den, then up to Little Round Top and where the 20th Maine made its defense. Although it was tiring, it was worth it. Reardon's humor along with interesting eyewittness accounts made it worth the long hike. ]
The second tour I went on was to walk Pickett's Charge from Armistead's starting position. This was led by Wayne Motts. The topography of the land can not be fully recognized until you stand out on the open field. I learned where Pickett's men first came under artillery fire, and where Pickett's men really started their assault. I learned they did not start from the Virginia Memorial. We walked all the way to the High Water Mark. You only fully appreciate what Pickett's men had to go through until you walk the path that they did.
The third and final tour on Saturday was of the countermarch by Keith Toney. This was very informative, and he took us to places I had never been, and I think most of us on the tour hadn't been either. That night there was a court on inquiry on Longstreet's actions at Gettysburg. Longstreet was played by Tim Perry. Also that night, you could get your picture taken with Perry and the men who played Hill and Lee. You could also get autographs of the sculptor, Gary Casteel, Carol Reardon, and William Garret Piston.
On Sunday, Robert Thomas, the chairman, John Latscher, the superintendent of the NPS, and the sculptor Gary Casteel gave speeches.
The seminar ended on an emotional and entertaining. The board members put together a video that thanked Robert Thomas. Casteel was very humorous, as was Joe Leggett reading a story about Thomas. The end was moving when Thomas received a standing ovation from the crowd. It was also moving when Jamie Longstreet Paterson, the General's granddaughter, was shown unveling the equestrian statue at the 1995 Seminar. With music playing in the background while the site of the statue was shown, I got chills up and down my spine. It was one of those moments you can't fully put into words. It is hard to describe the seminar as it was so touching.
Yes, one man can make a difference.
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