In your own words, explain what this quote means and why Lincoln includes it in his Gettysburg Address:

"We can not dedicate - - we can not consecrate - - we can not hallow - - this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract."

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Nutmeg

English

13 May, 10:38

In your own words, explain what this quote means and why Lincoln includes it in his Gettysburg Address:

"We can not dedicate - - we can not consecrate - - we can not hallow - - this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract."

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Marissa · Answer 1

It says in beautiful Parallel construction, what those left observing the aftermath cannot accomplish, particularly "those in power." Those who fought this battle were the ones who will sanctify the ground and they did it with their blood. He is humbly saying that he and others like him, have no power to do such a thing as sanctify anything. The wounded, dying and dead do.