This past weekend coincided with the 153rd anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863.  The Union versus Confederate armies represented the opposing sides in the Civil War, clashing mightily, battle after battle, with both sides sustaining massive loss of life not only from combat casualties but even more so from disease and illness during the lengthy war.

The annual reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg brings the 3-day battle to life, with cavalry, infantry, artillery, living history, and sutlers camps. Intertwining visits to the reenactment site with exploration of the National Park Service’s Gettysburg National Battlefield Park over the course of this anniversary weekend was a thought-provoking immersion in a significant chapter of our nation’s history.

History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again. ~ Maya Angelou

Ciao! ~ Kat

This post was in response to the Daily Post’s Weekly Photo Challenge. “Opposites” is this week’s theme. Everyone is welcome to join in the Challenge; further details on how to participate and links to others’ responses are found here: Opposites.