Day 6 - Reliving Leadership Success and Failure Lessons at the Unforgettable Battle of Gettysburg

Class 41 started the day very early in the morning with Colonel Stephen Randolph who gave us an overview of events leading up to the battle of Gettysburg over breakfast.

We then traveled by bus along the Potomac river and through the beautiful rolling Pennsylvania farm land to the Gettysburg National Military Park. There was an icy wind as we climbed the Longstreet View – East View Tower where Colonel Randolph pointed out where the Confederate and Union soldiers were, and how and why they got there prior to the beginning of the battle.

He then took us to specific points where the battle took place during the three days to get an actual feel and understanding of the Leadership principles and decision making strategies that each side implemented. Especially moving was Little Round Top where Colonel Chamberlain made his heroic stand against an overwhelming Confederate force.

Another humbling experience was the visit to Gettysburg National Cemetery where we had the opportunity to stand where President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg address.

Class 41 at the Soldiers' Monument, site of the Gettysburg Address.

Our final activity at Gettysburg was a walk across the field where the famous Pickett’s charge took place. We were all overwhelmed by the feeling those Confederate soldiers must have had marching across open terrain being bombarded by Union artillery, then advancing toward prepared and fortified infantry and cannon; WOW.

The place this battlefield holds in our hearts and history is evidenced by the hundreds of monuments of all shapes and sizes scattered throughout this hallowed ground.

Class 41 at the California Regiment monument.

Gratefully submitted by Christine Ivory, Vernon Petersen, and Jorge Suarez