A wreath at General Meade’s gravesite, from the 2013 birthday commemoration (Tom Huntington photo).
George Gordon Meade was born on this day 199 years ago. (December 31 is also his wedding anniversary.) It has become an annual tradition for the General Meade Society of Philadelphia to hold a commemorative ceremony at the general’s grave at Philadelphia’s Laurel Hill Cemetery. I encourage anyone in the Philadelphia area to attend. I plan to be there, and I will have copies of my books and the 2015 George Gordon Meade Calendar available for purchase. It’s always a fun event and a great opportunity to spend the last day of the year in a cemetery! Here’s the society’s announcement:
GENERAL MEADE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
The annual General Meade Birthday Celebration will mark the 199th anniversary of the birth of General George G. Meade, commander of the Union Army at the Battle of Gettysburg. A parade of Civil War re-enactors, civilians in period attire, special dignitaries, heritage groups and participants will advance to Meade’s final resting place and memorialize his services to his nation. A 21-gun salute and champagne toast will cap off the program at graveside, and will be followed by a reception in the Cemetery Gatehouse. A tour of historic Laurel Hill will be offered following the festivities (weather permitting). This year holds special significance as we continue to commemorate the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War.
The event will take place on Wednesday, December 31 at 12:00pm, departing from Laurel Hill Cemetery’s Gatehouse entrance at 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132. Free parking is located in the lot across the street from the Gatehouse.
Free and open to the public; a $10 donation in support of Laurel Hill Cemetery’s work and preservation is suggested and would be much appreciated. Additional information can be found by calling (215) 228-8200.
I intend to post photos from this year’s event today or tomorrow, so stay tuned!
Searching for GEORGE GORDON MEADE 