PHOTOGRAPHY
One Photo And a Few Words: Part Two
When tragedy leads to bucolic scenery
Bucolic. That one word might describe freshly cut grass, blue skies, and birds entertaining you with the music of their chirps.
So, the photo above could be considered bucolic. And that’s what it was that day while walking through Gettysburg National Cemetery on Memorial Day weekend last year.
My daughter and I entered through the back entrance (the first gate opened) and came upon a pleasant and serene setting, the perfect day to spread out a blanket and picnic on the grass.
This lovely setting is brought to you by the deaths of approximately 50,000 soldiers wearing blue and gray uniforms. The three-day battle at Gettysburg was a turning point for the Union Army in the Civil War.
As I look at this photo seven months later, it still appears to be the ideal setting for a family get-together. But upon closer inspection, hidden among the trees and shadows on the right are two Civil War canons, which from a distance, look ready to repeat their efforts of that battle.
In the distance, you might see rows of flags planted throughout the cemetery to remember the fallen.
The tragedy of the Civil War led to the creation of Gettysburg National Military Park, which is dedicated to the preservation of the Gettysburg battlefields. That tragedy also led to this photo of a pastoral scene that isn’t what it appears to be.
If you’re not familiar with the history of the Battle of Gettysburg, I invite you to check out this short video. It will be a good start to a larger lesson if you choose to learn more about Gettysburg.
If you’ve read this far, thank you for stopping by. Lay 50 claps on me and comment if you would please. I will return the favor. Cheers!
I accept tips, which go directly to Dining for Hunger, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization that looks to end food insecurity. If you can spare a dollar or two, I’d be grateful.
More stories from Bruce Coulter.
