A Lesson in American History
America is full of history, whether it is well known, heard of once or twice, or completely foreign to us. Many museums, monuments, and statues have been made in order to attribute significance to certain historical events or figures. We do this to show respect for those things, for they have more than likely, affected us in some way or another. A statue of General Lee represents a man who was a military genius, a great leader, and a soldier who was respected as much by his enemies as his own men. The Vietnam Memorial honors those veterans who died while defending our country, and represents a nation’s sovereign gratitude. These are only two instances in which every American does or should know the history behind them. For those who don’t, there needs to be more emphasis put on history in order to ensure that they do.
In his 16 October 2008 article, “A Gift on Hallowed Ground,” George F. Will informs the reader of a new Gettysburg museum and visitor center which has just been completed for that exact reason: to educate. It may even instill a sense of pride and patriotism, two things that seem to be lacking in our modern society. Will does a good job of presenting the information, but I think he could have done more to back up his argument. If I did not already have my own opinion, he would not have convinced me to believe what he does. I don’t think that his article should only be informative; it should also try to persuade the reader to accept and support his ideas more.
“In 1997, Bob Kinsley, a contractor in York, PA., decided that something should be done about the decrepit facilities for explaining the battle and displaying its artifacts.”(A19) He began his conquest by hiring Bob Wilburn to act as head of the fundraising seat. Wilburn started the “Gettysburg Foundation,” and raised $103 million, the amount needed to build the