photo #1167260

Civil War veterans from the Union and Confederacy shaking hands at Gettysburg, 1913. The last thing that anyone expected following the bloodiest battle ever fought on American soil is for the survivors of the Civil War to meet up on a legit battle ground and shake hands like it was all one big game of capture the flag.Nearly 50 years after the end of the Civil War the roads to Gettysburg were filled with men in the grays and blues. Close to 50,000 veterans decamped for the Great Reunion to celebrate the 50th anniversay of the Battle of Gettysburg, held from July 1-3.Upon arrival, many of the men sought out places on the battlefield that held a specific meaning to them. Maybe it was a place where they lost a friend, or maybe it was just something they remembered. Some soldiers kept old grudges, others listened to the myriad speeches given over that week. It was noted that even President Wilson was unable to stir the hearts of veterans.