GDG- Best Days at Gettysburg

[KIM YOXTHEIMER]

My best days walking the fields of Gettysburg were with my Dad. We made three trips in the Spring of 1995, 1996, and 1997. A fourth trip was not to be. Dad died in October 1998. We still had a lot left to see. The Eisenhower Farm, The Puddingstone, The Reliance Mine. But we did walk Pickett's Charge, Little Round Top, 
and enjoyed an excursion to the National Tower. 

Our first trip was a little confusing to me. I was not familiar with the Orders of Battle and since Dad was born in Ohio I assumed when he said "we" did this he was referring to the Union side. By the time of our second visit I had watched "The Movie" several times and done a little reading. Joining this group contributed a lot to my education so when Dad made one of his "we" statements I retorted wait a minute - you're talking about the Confederates - you mean you're a Rebel? Dad believed that while the Union may have had more experienced leadership the Butternuts had more heart. Me - I've grown to respect all of them. I have favorites on both sides.

Hopefully one day I can make a return trip. I too have had surgery and may or may not be able to walk the field in the future. Oh well, there's always the tour buses. 

Kim Yoxtheimer