Gettysburg 150 years on

Today marks a century and a half since Union forces triumphed at Gettysburg. That battle, 150 years ago, staved off the defeat and dissolution of our nation; tomorrow is the 150th anniversary of Grant's victory at Vicksburg, which ensured that the victory of that same nation was all but inevitable. To the men who fought in both battles - especially those who fought and died in blue, in the name of freedom and country - I salute you.