The primary purpose of the Gettysburg Address was to honor the fallen and redefine the purpose of the war.

On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, honoring the soldiers who lost their lives at Gettysburg. In his address, Lincoln highlighted the principles of equality and liberty, portraying the Civil War as a crucial examination of the nation's dedication to these values. He aimed to motivate the living to persist in their struggle for a united country and a renewed sense of freedom.