A Graduation at Gettysburg College

The middle of May is a significant time for any college senior. They leave the safety net that higher education has provided, and they take their first steps into the world as full-functioning adults. The middle of May was that weekend for my older brother Brian. My family traveled to Pennsylvania from our home in Massachusetts to see him graduate from Gettysburg College.

Fresh off my sophomore year at Loyola Maryland, the last thing I wanted to do was make the six hour drive to Pennsylvania. I sleepily shuffled to the car, tossing my duffle bag in the back seat. I think I was hoping I'd be able to use it as a pillow. My mother started the car, and we began the long trek to Gettysburg College.

The town of Gettysburg, PA is proud of their history. Remnants of the Civil War period are alive on every street corner. Gettysburg is littered with full-skirted, bonnet-wearing, tricorn hat-bearing individuals. These people aren't just play-actors though. They're proud of their history, and want to embody it for visitors.

Upon arriving in Gettysburg, I put in a request to visit the Blue & Gray Bar and Grill. It's your typical burger joint, but with a twist. All of the burgers are either Confederate or Union soldiers. For dinner, I enjoyed the General Robert E. Lee with a side of fries. I know it's a Confederate burger, but it was delicious all the same!

The next morning we started our day with a tour of the battlefields. My brother outscored me completely in Civil War knowledge, a fact that he and the tour guide teased me mercilessly about. We drove through the battlefields rolling plains, and concluded the tour at Culp's Hill. This was a strong defensive point for the Union during the Battle of Gettysburg. It was chilling to think about the sheer amount of casualties the Battle of Gettysburg had. I was fascinated with this opportunity to see some Civil War history.

When graduation day came, my family cheered the loudest as my brother walked across the stage. We only embarrassed him a little, though he may say otherwise. With his cap and gown, adorned with multicolored tassels, he posed for pictures with his fellow graduates and friends.

As far as summer travels go, I'd call this weekend in May a success. There was a lot of love, and many good times were had, by both family and friends!