Yesterday, my wife and I went with some friends from our church to the Gettysburg National Military Park. On my church's men's retreat in the spring, I go to Gettysburg during the freetime on Saturday since it is only a 20-30 minute drive from the retreat center.
This past year was so popular with the guys they asked if I would lead another tour over the Summer so they could spend more time talking about the battle and seeing the park. We set the date and yesterday the group went up to the battlefield.
It was raining early in the day but it did not last too long and brought the temperature down. I have been to the battlefield several times (as you might imagine, being a historian and only living about 2 hours away), but this time I was able to go to several place I had not yet had a chance to see. Everybody had a great time. Even my parents came along and when they spoke with my sister's husband that evening, he said that he would like to go up as well.
It is an awe inspiring place. If you live close by, take a weekend and vist. The town is great and there are several nice restaurants in the area like the Farnsworth House. It is a nice trip and even if you know nothing about the battle, a stop at the Visitor's Center will give you a good overview of the events of July 1-3, 1863 and you can even take a self guided auto tour.
Well, as you can tell, I try to promote people to learn the history of the nation in which we live and for those on the east coast of the USA, it is all around you. Take some time to appreciate the areas that are quite literally in your own backyard.