I was able to participate in Remembrance Day in Gettysburg, something I've done probably for about 30 years but during those years wither with the Gilmor Camp Color Guard of the Sons of Confederate Veterans or the 1st Virginia Infantry re-enactment unit, but for various reasons I've missed the last two years, happily I was able to return this year and was invited to march with the group of staff officers who control the Confederate part of the parade.
How the Remembrance Day began is as follows: Every November 19 since 1863, a special event takes place in Gettysburg called Remembrance Day. It started nearly 150 years ago with a visit from President Abraham Lincoln to commemorate the Gettysburg Cemetery in honoring the Union dead. What followed next is perhaps the most notable speech in American history - the Abraham Lincoln Gettysburg Address.
Each November 19 (or the closest Saturday) since then, Gettysburg Remembrance Day is celebrated to memorialize the brave soldiers who fought and died at the Battle of Gettysburg. On Saturday during that week a parade is held featuring Civil War re-enactors, Abraham Lincoln look-a-likes, and many others wearing Civil War era clothing. It is really a sight to see all the units of soldiers marching down the street in Civil War reenactment clothing.
You'll notice in one photo I'm standing next to a Confederate soldier by the name of Russell Justice, what is unique about Russell is that he never wear any shoes, he's always barefoot even in the coldest weather, I don't know how he does it. When he's marching along the spectators gasp in disbelief when they see shoeless Russell marching along totally unconcerned with a smile on his face.
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