The true meaning of Gettysburg

True meaning of Gettysburg

The words in the article on Gettysburg touched me deeply [“A Town That Never Forgets” by Catharine Hamm, June 30]. The heart-wrenching graphic details brought an important time in our country’s history to life for me. And the closing words, “Nearly 54,000 days after Lincoln’s death, this country is still alive,” filled me with pride. Thank you for a wonderful tribute.

Lora Crommett

San Marcos

Your story about what happened seven score and 10 years ago is timely, as we mark the Fourth of July and empower new leadership in Los Angeles.

The article and the Gettysburg Address remind us that the holiday is not just a day off from work, but a day to reflect and cherish an ever-challenged nation, which will unquestionably survive as long as we have a document called the U.S. Constitution as the law of the land.

Taken together, they help us see a vivid, timeless story without traveling to Gettysburg.

All Angelenos, including our new mayor and council members, should read Hamm’s article and Lincoln’s speech to stay focused on the true meaning of democracy and be inspired to nobly address “the unfinished work” and “the great task remaining before us,” work of, by and for you know whom.

Genuineness and candor are treasured human qualities, the elements that made President Lincoln’s handwritten speech, revised up to the last minute, so powerful (rather than speeches delivered today, which are produced by professional writers and edited to death by a bevy of White House aides worried about how it will play on the evening news and on social media sites).

It is ironic that we do “note” and “long remember” the Civil War battle, in large part because of Lincoln’s sincerity and unadorned works and life.

To be remembered and to inspire others after we pass is the ultimate ideal legacy for anyone —Lincoln and the soldiers at Gettysburg achieved this for all of us.

Calvin Naito

Los Angeles

I enjoyed Hamm’s 150th Gettysburg article. I’m a Civil War buff who’s been there a few times, and I found the article thoughtful, accurate and emotionally appealing, especially the use of the direct quotes from the Address at the end. Keep up the good work.

Ken Reid

El Cerrito

In the paragraphs dealing with Little Round Top, doesn’t Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain merit mention? His leadership at that pivotal site seems to me more significant than is generally acknowledged, and his personal history for the remainder of the Civil War and until his death is one of the great stories seldom told.

Gordon Cohn

Long Beach

App calling plan

Thank you so much for printing the June 30 letter from Susan Lorenzana about Viber. My husband and I travel frequently, and just this week were agonizing once again about the international calling plan and past cellphone problems. I figured “What the heck” and downloaded Viber (easy even for me) to my iPhone. (My husband had a bit more trouble with his Android.) To my complete surprise, within 10 minutes we were talking with one of our relatives in Ireland whom we plan to visit in two weeks. She already was a Viber member. Thank you, Susan.

Louise Delaney

La Crescenta

No singing, please!

Regarding Ruth Kramer Ziony’s tip (“Your Tips,” June 30) about singing along on road trips for a “fun” way to pass the time: Fun? Nightmares recalling hours on buses while chaperoning field trips ... not to mention a major distraction for the driver.

Marsha Thackery

Los Angeles