Post by lifesaver on Aug 13, 2012 9:22:03 GMT -5
This gave me a smile this morning 
Deep affinity for Gettysburg
Posted: Monday, August 13, 2012 12:07 am
Editor, Gettysburg Times:
In early May 2010, I had the great honor and privilege of visiting Gettysburg for the first time in my life; not as a tourist, but as a musician.
My band, Ajalon, was a featured guest at the Rite of Spring Festival (RosFest) held at your wonderful Majestic Theater.
Before then, I knew next to nothing of the pivotal battle that took place in July 1863, and knew even less about your beautiful town or its heritage. Please accept what I write next as my most heartfelt response to the warmth and neighborliness of all the people I met.
Riding into Gettysburg in a van full of people, towing a trailer full of instruments and sound equipment, I was tired from a sleepless night and a long, long day in a crowded airplane, after a long wait at both Seattle and Baltimore airports. My band mates and I were looking forward to a night of much-needed rest before our performance the following morning.
I turned to look out the window of the van and saw the Gettysburg memorial. I cannot do justice in describing the feeling that arose in me at that moment. I can only say that I felt an immediate and fathomless sense of loss, sadness, and sorrow. And yet, as I mentioned above, I had no knowledge of the events that transpired there.
As we rode through downtown and turned onto the road toward the Eisenhower Inn, the driver described the events that took place along the places we passed. We drove in air-conditioned comfort past fields upon which thousands of lives were lost, both Union and Confederate. It seemed so incongruous to me that those quiet, peaceful pastures, farmlands, and forests were hosts to such unimaginable bloodshed, violence, and misery. At some point during this contemplation fatigue left me, and in its place I found an insatiable curiosity.
I shared a room with Dan Lile, the drummer for my band. As it turns out, he experienced the same emotions that I had. We talked late into the night about Gettysburg and what we knew of the battle, which was almost nothing. And we resolved to find out as much as we could in the very limited time that we were to stay.
The next morning, we performed and returned to the Ike. Dan and I took the first available van going downtown and just walked around. Everyone was friendly, kind, and full of information. We had no time to visit the memorial, or the museums, or any other landmarks. Being from Seattle, a rather large city, I was taken aback by the openness and neighborliness of everyone we met.
To round this missive off: Since I left Gettysburg, I have searched for more information regarding the battle that took place. But beyond that, I have felt a deep affinity for Gettysburg and the wonderful people of your town. I hope that I may have the honor of being your guest again, and that I have the opportunity to learn more about your town and your history.
May Gettysburg and all who live there be blessed and safe.
Wil Henderson
Seattle, Wash.
We appreciate the kindness of our visitors. Ed.
Posted: Monday, August 13, 2012 12:07 am
Editor, Gettysburg Times:
In early May 2010, I had the great honor and privilege of visiting Gettysburg for the first time in my life; not as a tourist, but as a musician.
My band, Ajalon, was a featured guest at the Rite of Spring Festival (RosFest) held at your wonderful Majestic Theater.
Before then, I knew next to nothing of the pivotal battle that took place in July 1863, and knew even less about your beautiful town or its heritage. Please accept what I write next as my most heartfelt response to the warmth and neighborliness of all the people I met.
Riding into Gettysburg in a van full of people, towing a trailer full of instruments and sound equipment, I was tired from a sleepless night and a long, long day in a crowded airplane, after a long wait at both Seattle and Baltimore airports. My band mates and I were looking forward to a night of much-needed rest before our performance the following morning.
I turned to look out the window of the van and saw the Gettysburg memorial. I cannot do justice in describing the feeling that arose in me at that moment. I can only say that I felt an immediate and fathomless sense of loss, sadness, and sorrow. And yet, as I mentioned above, I had no knowledge of the events that transpired there.
As we rode through downtown and turned onto the road toward the Eisenhower Inn, the driver described the events that took place along the places we passed. We drove in air-conditioned comfort past fields upon which thousands of lives were lost, both Union and Confederate. It seemed so incongruous to me that those quiet, peaceful pastures, farmlands, and forests were hosts to such unimaginable bloodshed, violence, and misery. At some point during this contemplation fatigue left me, and in its place I found an insatiable curiosity.
I shared a room with Dan Lile, the drummer for my band. As it turns out, he experienced the same emotions that I had. We talked late into the night about Gettysburg and what we knew of the battle, which was almost nothing. And we resolved to find out as much as we could in the very limited time that we were to stay.
The next morning, we performed and returned to the Ike. Dan and I took the first available van going downtown and just walked around. Everyone was friendly, kind, and full of information. We had no time to visit the memorial, or the museums, or any other landmarks. Being from Seattle, a rather large city, I was taken aback by the openness and neighborliness of everyone we met.
To round this missive off: Since I left Gettysburg, I have searched for more information regarding the battle that took place. But beyond that, I have felt a deep affinity for Gettysburg and the wonderful people of your town. I hope that I may have the honor of being your guest again, and that I have the opportunity to learn more about your town and your history.
May Gettysburg and all who live there be blessed and safe.
Wil Henderson
Seattle, Wash.
We appreciate the kindness of our visitors. Ed.
