Local residents learned about the effects of the Battle of Gettysburg at a speech from a Chicago historian Monday.

Chicago historian and speaker Robert Girardi discussed the details of the Battle of Gettsyburg and how it inspires people today to keep the memory of soldiers alive at the Sycamore Library, 103 E. State St.

Illustrations and artifacts were also shared.

“Last year I was asked to address the Battle of Gettsyburg for its anniversary. I had already written a book about it, so why not?” Girardi said. “It’s compelling to inform people about what really happen during that war, and I want people to understand what those men sacrificed, and why it’s important to us now.”

Jim Lyon, former Sycamore History Museum president, and Matt Woodstrup, 51, of Sycamore, are members of Sons of Union Federation Veterans of the Civil War and were in the crowd during Girardi’s speech.

“Watching him talk about the Battle of Gettsyburg is truly amazing,” Lyon said. “I’m reminded of what my past relatives have done and it inspires me to keep their memory moving and pass it onto my children.”

Woodstrup said Girardi did a great job showing how people need to make sure others know the true reason why the Civil War was fought.

“I have my son here, and I want him to know that our great-grandfather fought in the war,” Woodstrup said.