Dispatch From Disneyland
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"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. But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract.

"The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced."

Gathering speed now for the final lines, the boy started out with a low voice and then by the end of the speech raised it to a rather thunderous tone.

"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."

He noticed that although many of his classmates didn’t quite know what to make of his attempt, the teacher was in tears. "Thank you Walter." She said. "That was very wonderful. I think I would like you to do this performance for every classroom "

And so it was that Walt Disney entertained his entire school reciting Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address. By the end of the day, Walt might have wondered if there wasn’t some sort of automaton who could take over his duty for him.

•   •   •

"…Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it."

Little Johnny Guest sat in awe as the Mr. Lincoln animatronic finished its speech. In learning about the Gettysburg Address Johnny knew that the Civil War had threatened the future of the nation and that this man, who had been brought to life here, saved it. He couldn’t help feeling a little proud to be an American.

Authors note: We celebrate Walt Disney’s 100th birthday this year. For those of us who believe in his dreams for humanity and the future, it is a chance to think about the man and the myths that surround him. It is also an opportunity for each of us to take stock in where we are today. Are we working toward a great big beautiful tomorrow for everyone? Is Walt’s dream still alive? Can we trust the caretakers of that dream?

For the next year I hope to reflect on Walt’s dreams through fictitious recreations of pivotal moments in his life. These moments, like the one above, helped shape his outlook on life and gave form to his works. I hope you’ll join me on this journey and maybe find a bit of Walt in yourself.

-- Indigo

-- Posted January 3, 2001