I’m walking on the battlefields today. I’m deeply moved by Chamberlain’s words spoken at the dedication of the Monument to the 20th Maine on October 3, 1889, Gettysburg, PA.
He says, “In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear, but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls. And reverent men and women from afar, and generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field to ponder and dream; And lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls.”
Something abides. Something stays. Certain places–thin places–where the boundary between flesh and spirit disappears and we can peer into eternity, realign me to great ideals. Gettysburg does this.
We ponder and dream here.
_________________________
Journal: Do you know of other places that are “vision-places” for souls?
0 Responses
This was a great posting. I loved what you said, “Something abides. Something stays. Certain places–thin places–where the boundary between flesh and spirit disappears and we can peer into eternity, realign me to great ideals. ” So true.
Thanks for your always lovely and uplifting posts!