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| At last year’s parade I got Generals Lee & Grant to pose with Noble Cause. |
When anyone asks me the best time to visit Gettysburg — I always tell them Remembrance Day weekend. This is the weekend that commemorates Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Gettysburg to dedicate the National Cemetery in a speech that came to be known as the Gettysburg Address.
There is an annual ceremony at the National Cemetery on the 19th of November, the actual day the Gettysburg Address was given, but lots of folks come for the parade, balls, lectures and shopping the weekend nearest to that date.
Although Lincoln gave his famous speech on November 19, 1863, it wasn’t until November 19, 1946, the Gettysburg Address anniversary date was formally designated as “Dedication Day” by a joint resolution of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
The Remembrance Day Parade features re-enactors from the North and South, both civilian and military. It ends at the memorial of the last surviving Union soldier, Albert Woolson.
I’m looking forward to attending the parade today, and will share photos on Monday!
You had Grant and Lee pose with your novel; I’m curious why Grant (who wasn’t at Gettysburg ) was in the parade, but Meade (who won the battle) wasn’t. At least I didn’t see him.
But you’re correct; a great weekend to visit this town.
Ha! I know – I think those two must travel together because I see them every year. I have never ever seen Meade, and wonder if people would even know him if they saw him. Strange how some get all the glory while others are forgotten despite their victories.