Past Lane Plus is an extension of Past Lane Travel, which was named the #1 history and travel blog in the U.S. The posts on Past Lane Plus feature extra pictures of events or destinations.
The Gettysburg Remembrance Day Parade is held every November on the Saturday that is closest to November 19.
What is so special about November 19?
In 1863, it is the day that President Abraham Lincoln dedicated the National Cemetery in Gettysburg and gave his famous Gettysburg Address.
The annual Remembrance Day Parade draws hundreds of reenactors and thousands of spectators. In addition to the parade, there are Civil War balls, special ceremonies, carriage rides through town and other special events.
The Parade
The parade features troops from both the North and the South, as well as period bands, cavalry units, and dozens of women dressed in Victorian gowns.
It’s a great time to visit Gettysburg, because the parade participants stay in their 19th century clothes throughout the weekend, so you see them walking down the street and sitting in restaurants.
You never know who you’ll see!
The parade kicks off at 1 p.m., and stretches almost the entire length Baltimore Street as it continues down Steinwehr Avenue.
You’ll hear period music playing, the clip-clop of horses and the heavy tread of soldiers boots on the pavement.
Take a look at this short video of the Remembrance Day parade.
Other Events
Remembrance Day includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the Soldiers’ National Monument to honor more than 3,000 Union soldiers buried there.
The ceremony is followed by the Dedication Day program at the cemetery Rostrum, with a speaker that highlights the significance of Lincoln’s speech.
The Illumination
The weekend in Gettysburg also includes a solemn Illumination at the National Cemetery.
This free event takes place every year and features 3,512 luminary candles being placed on the gravesites at dusk for those who fell at Gettysburg. During the commemoration, the soldiers’ names are read throughout the evening and a distant trumpet plays Taps.
Don’t miss next week’s post, featuring a cemetery where a young girl was buried inside a rum keg!
This was amazing. I loved the video. Thank you.