The San Francisco Civil War Round Table Meeting 17th November 2011
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Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Winchell Hayward, several members introduced guests
who were warmly welcomed, as were some returnees who had been missed at previous meetings.
The President reminded members of the passing of Steve Butler at the end of October.
Bob Quinn gave a brief report on the 2011 West Coast Civil War Conference, held in
Sacramento the previous weekend. In summary, he said it was well organised, the speakers were
superb, and the whole weekend enthralling.
Mr. & Mrs. Dick Lynn with Carol Fleming
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Steve Harrington and Larry Block
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Our speaker, John Fitzpatrick is an
Attorney, Arbitrator, Reenactor, and
Licensed Battlefield Guide at the Gettysburg
National Military Park in Pennsylvania.
Colonel Fitzpatrick served over five years on
Active Duty as a United States Marine Corps
Pilot and is a Vietnam Veteran of one
hundred and forty combat missions. This
year marks his eighth year of guiding at
Gettysburg.
John's topic was entitled "'There is no fail here.' Why did President Lincoln come to
Gettysburg in November 1983?" His insightful presentation helped us to gain a greater
appreciation and understanding of the immortal Gettysburg Address in the context of the pivotal
Battle of Gettysburg and the enormous personal, political and policy pressures on President
Lincoln when he prepared and delivered it. We considered how a careworn, concerned and
conflicted President Lincoln, in the midst of the American Civil War with no end in sight, who
was not chosen as the keynote speaker, prepared and delivered his short, two-minute speech.
John's obvious scholarship and in-depth knowledge of his subject, together with an engaging
style, made for a most enjoyable and informative evening.
See a comprehensive list of reference materials for this presentation here.