Eternal Light Peace Memorial

Stop on Gettysburg Battlefield Historic Tour, a free self-guided tour.

This impressive memorial sits on Oak Ridge where fierce fighting occurred on the first day of the battle. Dedicated on July 3, 1938, on the 75th anniversary of the battle, it was one of the last major reunions of Civil War veterans. President Franklin D. Roosevelt attended the ceremony where 1,800 Union and Confederate veterans, many in their 90s, gathered to commemorate the battle and celebrate reconciliation. The 47-foot limestone monument is topped with an eternal flame symbolizing peace and unity. The site witnessed intense combat as Confederate forces attempted to flank the Union position. Barlow's Knoll, visible from here, saw particularly vicious fighting where Union General Francis Barlow was severely wounded. The memorial offers panoramic views of the first day's battlefield and helps visitors understand the flow of combat across this rolling terrain. The inscription reads, An enduring light to guide us in unity and fellowship. This powerful reminder of reconciliation stands as testament that former enemies could come together in their twilight years to honor each other's sacrifice and commit to lasting peace.