The GENERAL MEADE SOCIETY of PHILADELPHIA had several events scheduled for 2020 – 2021 that due to the pandemic were unfortunately cancelled or postponed until later dates. Events and their details to be announced as more information is available.
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2021 Events:
Memorial Day Services – 2021
Gravesite Placement of Veterans’ Flags at Laurel Hill Cemetery
Sunday, May 23, 2021
Meet at the gatehouse of Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue, in Philadelphia {215-228-8200} at 10:00 AM. The group assembled will place US flags on the graves of veterans of all wars. As time and manpower permit, the cemeteries to be covered include Laurel Hill, Mt. Peace & St. James the Less. Refreshments and lunch provided. All welcome!
Laurel Hill Cemetery contains the graves of thousands of Civil War veterans. Many of those who engaged in battle, fighting on the sides of both the Union and Confederacy or on the home front now rest at Laurel Hill. The site also holds sacred the remains of many prominent Civil War-era Philadelphians, including volunteer nurses, surgeons, and supporters of the war effort.
Open to the Public
Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132.
Free Parking is available
(215) 228-8200 or online at www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org
Annual Memorial Day Observed at Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery
Sunday, May 30, 2021
Recreating the Original G.A.R. Decoration Day Service of 1868: The traditional Decoration Day service of the Grand Army Meade Post #1 will be recreated at Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave. Philadelphia on Sunday, May 30, (original date of Decoration Day) 2021 at 12 noon. All are welcome to attend and participate in the ceremony.
Laurel Hill is the site of the first Memorial Day Observance in Philadelphia on this date in 1868.
Special bronze veterans’ markers will be dedicated at the graves of veterans:
* Dr. George Huhn, M.D. US Army Surgeon at Camp William Penn
* Theodore DeKlyne, US Navy Assistant Engineer on USS Mystic
Speakers, ceremonies, and pageant will highlight this special ceremony. Afterwards the entourage will gather at the grave of General Meade, hero of Gettysburg to perform the traditional service to honor all veterans who fell defending the Nation. Wreath-laying, speeches, music, and honor guards will enhance the ceremony.
Historical groups, veterans, and citizens are urged to participate. Wreaths, military contingents, color guards, music and period civilians are encouraged to participate.
Refreshments served after the ceremony. Tours of the historic cemetery available.
Co-sponsored by the General Meade Society of Philadelphia; Friends of Laurel Hill; American Legion Post #405; MOLLUS, Union League; Sons of Union Veterans; Patriotic Order Sons of America. For information, call: 215-228-8200
Special Memorial Day Observance
Monday, May 31, 2021 at 1PM
– the National Holiday at Christ Church Burial Ground at 5th & Arch St. The final resting place of five (5) Signers of the Declaration of Independence, including Benjamin Franklin and many military veterans of all eras! The Benjamin Franklin American Legion Post #405 of the Union League will place a wreath representing the American Legion Post, commemorating the services of all veterans at the grave of Major Charles I. Maceuen, Major, 198th Pennsylvania Volunteers (6th Union League Regiment), KIA at the Battle of Lewis Farm, Va. March 29, 1865 Representing all veterans!
ALL are welcome!
Annual Major Octavius V. Catto Honor Ceremony – 150th Anniversary of the Assassination of Major Catto
Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 11am
Honor ceremony; wreath laying; military salute at the Catto Monument at the South Front of City Hall at 11:00am
Honoring the great African-American equal rights and military leader
Wreath-Laying ceremony. All military units, period civilians, veterans and heritage groups are encouraged to participate. Colors, wreaths and music encouraged.
Following the City Hall Ceremony: PA National Guard Award Luncheon& Medal Ceremony to follow at 12:30pm in the Union League for the ‘Major Catto Medal’ Award Ceremony.
Contact: Lucy Myers at the Union League to reserve lunch:
MYERSL@unionleague.org
Information: Dr. Andy Waskie
awaski01@gmail.com
The Armed Services Council Presents
The Major O. V. Catto Awards
Ceremony & Luncheon
Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 12:30pm
The Major Octavius V. Catto Honor Ceremony will begin at 11am, with lunch to follow. We will meet at the new OV Catto Monument at the S.W. corner of City Hall at 11:00am for the wreath laying and honor volleys and taps. Honoring the great black equal rights and military leader with a wreath-laying ceremony. All military units, period civilians, veterans and heritage groups are encouraged to participate. Colors, wreaths and music encouraged. Then come back to the League for a delicious lunch starting at 12:30pm. There will be a signature/cash bar available. Price: $35 inclusive
Annual General Meade Society Fall Excursion
Saturday-Monday, October 9 – 11, 2021
Alexandria VA, Fairfax County VA, Washington DC, and the new U.S. Army Museum
Includes deluxe motor coach with our new carrier, Perkiomen Tours; driver tip, deluxe hotel (Courtyard/Dulles, Herndon, VA); river cruise to Alexandria, VA; guided tour of the new U.S. Army Museum; wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery; Saturday AND Sunday dinners and Sunday lunch. Price: TBD.
Contact Jerry McCormick (215) 848-7753 or gedwinmc@msn.com for reservations and information. A $50.00 per person deposit is required for all reservations. ***
***- For all those who signed up for the 2020 trip and asked me to hold your deposits, you need not reply. If you were REFUNDED your deposit, please let me know if you still intend to go on this year’s trip,
US Marine Corps Birthday Observance at Laurel Hill Cemetery
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
at 11 am at the grave of General Jacob Zeilin, 7th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Call 215.228.8200 for details. www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org
Dr. Andy Waskie, awaski01@gmail.com or 215-423-3930
Remembrance Day in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, PA.
Saturday, November 20, 2021
General Meade & his Generals and the veterans of the Battle of Gettysburg Honor/Dedication Ceremonies during the Remembrance Day Observance. Honoring all commanders and veterans of the Battle. Meet at the General Meade Equestrian Monument at 10:30am
Contact Jerry McCormick at (215) 848-7753 or gedwinmc@msn.com for info.
25th Anniversary of the General Meade Society Dinner
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 13th, 2021. Come and celebrate the 25th anniversary General Meade Society dinner to be held at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, 9130 Academy Road, Philadelphia PA 19114. Details to follow. For reservations, contact Jerry McCormick, gedwinmc@msn.com
Annual General Meade Birthday Celebration
Friday, December 31, 2021
This will mark the annual anniversary of the birth of General George G. Meade, heroic commander of the victorious Union army at the Battle of Gettysburg.
The General Meade Society of Philadelphia will celebrate his birthday at Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave. at noon. A champagne toast and reception will follow the program. For directions, call: 215-228-8200 Laurel Hill Cemetery.