During this momentous time of year, many of us take the time to reflect on the past as we enjoy our annual traditions and make new memories with family and friends. Many of us find ourselves in the spirit of giving as we look forward to this season of Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays. And, many of you are familiar with and participate in GivingTuesday, observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving each year.
Created nine years ago, as a day that encourages people to do good, GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement. GivingTuesday has grown into a year-round movement inspiring hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.
This GivingTuesday, Nov. 30, the Gettysburg Foundation will strive to help maintain Gettysburg’s symbol of peace and unity. Focusing on the Eternal Light Peace Memorial at Gettysburg National Military Park for its annual GivingTuesday campaign, the Foundation will raise funds to continue to keep the flame glowing on this significant memorial.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Eternal Light Peace Memorial on July 3, 1938, during the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. A symbol of “peace eternal in a nation reunited,” the memorial was a gathering point for the last of the large anniversary events attended by Civil War soldiers. The 1938 dedication was a tribute to peace, honoring military soldiers and veterans who served and continue to serve our country to promote peace in the world. Since then, the Eternal Light Peace Memorial has been a focal point for soldiers and veterans to gather and take time to reflect. The memorial holds a special significance for U.S. veterans and active-duty military personnel.
The towering monument on Oak Hill has become a highlight for many people visiting Gettysburg over the years. It continues to be a prominent feature on the landscape which residents and visitors view as they travel around the area. I hope you will join our efforts to keep the flame glowing ‘eternally.’ We are thankful for the support of our effort and the generosity of our community, our Friends across the country and our visitors. Keeping this symbol for peace in our nation bright is as relevant today as when President Roosevelt dedicated the memorial 83 years ago.
The Gettysburg Foundation invites you to join us to keep the historic Eternal Light Peace Memorial shining. While this symbolic light is enduring, so is the responsibility of keeping the flame bright. I encourage you to unite with us to fuel the flame of this significant memorial in Gettysburg. With your generosity, we will be able to fuel this symbolic flame for peace over the next five years. To support the preservation of our history, visit GettysburgFoundation.org to make your donation on Nov. 30.
Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving and a joyous and memorable time with your family and friends.
Wayne E. Motts
President and CEO, Gettysburg Foundation
First appeared in the Gettysburg Foundation's column in the Nov. 22, 2021, edition of the Gettysburg Times.