USA HISTORY

But, in a larger sense, 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.

(A) ** But in the bigger picture, we cannot make this place holy because the men who died here already did.

(B) But in the bigger picture we cannot build here because people died here and it would be disrespectful

(C) But in a larger sense, we should not honor people who fight in wars.

Concept note-1: -Lincoln means that the extreme sacrifice the men who had fought and died on that battlefield have made was in itself a greater act than any other could now, or ever, perform in ordaining the soil on which they died. Their deed was more than enough for the ground to be consecrated.

Concept note-2: -According to Lincoln, why are they unable to “dedicate, ” “consecrate, ” or “hallow” the battlefield? Because they can’t honor it as much as the soldiers declared it sacred. The ground already was dedicated and hallow by those who took part in the battle especially those who died.

Concept note-3: -So, here “dedicated” expresses how the country is founded, or based on an idea or ideal. “We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.