6 - 2012 - Blue and Gray Education Society

Why we do what we do

July 25, 2025June 28, 2012 by John Johnson

Some moments in life remind you with perfect clarity why you do what you do. During our most recent tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield for wounded warriors, such moments were plentiful.

The day after concluding the “Hancock at Gettysburg” tour, BGES Executive Director Len Riedel and BGES volunteers were ready to repeat the experience – this time with our Yellow Ribbon Fund partners and 25 service members undergoing treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Join us in wishing a big Happy Birthday to Ed Bearss!

July 25, 2025June 26, 2012 by John Johnson

America’s premier battlefield storyteller was born on June 26, 1923, in Billings, Montana. He grew up on a ranch where he caught the Civil War bug early and – true story – named the animals after Civil War generals and battles. Like his father in World War I, Ed also served as a Marine. He … Read more

What is a military staff ride?

July 25, 2025June 9, 2012 by John Johnson

A true staff ride rests on preliminary background study of a battle or campaign before stepping foot onto the field itself. We provide carefully selected materials – such as maps and biographical and personality information on significant leaders – to get you started.