This year’s anniversary walks were much better than the previous year because of the lack of heat. When your walking outside for one to three hours with barely any shade, water, dehydration, and ticks become the enemy. However, the walks this year were mainly in shady places, but elevation changes and long walks occurred instead. Here are some of the pictures from the walks that were issued.
The first walk that I enjoyed on July 2nd was the 2nd US Sharpshooters that were recruited by Hiram Berdan. Hand-picked soldiers played a role stretching the Confederate line thin to the breaking point. Gettysburg National Battlefield Ranger Matt Atkinson focused on the elite Union Army sharpshooters from the Bushman Farm to Big Round Top.
The highlight of the July 2nd walks was the evening tour that started near the Pennsylvania monument and walked towards the Wheatfield. The appearance of the famed Irish Brigade and the 69th New York infantry were opposite of the Confederates in the evening. The Liberty Rifles living history organization recreated the sights and sounds of the famous unit and their actions into the Wheatfield battle. Some videos of their march and charge will be added shortly.
