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During the Dark Ages, when I was in seventh grade at Heber School, I was required to memorize the Gettysburg Address. I puzzled over the meanings and archaic mentions of time. I didn’t know what “four score” meant, and words like dedicate and consecrate and hollow were enigmas, but over the years, I have reflected again and again on the famous speech and have been moved to tears at its meaning.

Just recently, I taught a Citizenship in the Nation merit badge class to a group of Boy Scouts. We went through each requirement and talked about the founding of this great land and its inherent blessings of liberty. I talked to them of their sacred duty to become an informed citizen and to guard our freedoms. Finally, I quoted the Gettysburg Address and explained each part so that none could misunderstand. Then I asked them the question, “Why is the Gettysburg Address relevant today?”