The dedication ceremony for the Soldiers' National Cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, took place on November 19, 1863, a few months after the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg, which marked a turning point in the American Civil War. The cemetery was established to honor the Union soldiers who lost their lives during this fierce battle, which had resulted in over 50,000 casualties. President Abraham Lincoln was invited to speak at the ceremony, even though the primary orator was Edward Everett, a prominent orator and former Massachusetts governor, who spoke for two hours before Lincoln delivered his brief yet impactful address.

Lincoln's speech is now known as the Gettysburg Address and is considered one of the greatest speeches in American history. Lasting only about two minutes, it compactly conveyed profound messages. Lincoln called for national unity, asserting that the war was a test of whether a nation conceived in liberty could endure. He honored the fallen soldiers' sacrifice and urged the living to dedicate themselves to the unfinished work of preserving the nation. The phrase "government of the people, by the people, for the people" epitomized his vision of democracy and has resonated through the ages, solidifying its place in America's consciousness.

The ceremony and Lincoln's address were pivotal in reframing the Civil War as not just a battle for the Union but also a struggle for human equality. It elevated the moral stakes of the war and inspired countless individuals to commit to the fight for freedom and justice. The address helped to galvanize the Union's resolve as it faced the continuing challenges of the Civil War, making it a seminal moment in American history.