The GENERAL MEADE SOCIETY of PHILADELPHIA has several events scheduled for the upcoming year. Other events to be announced as more information is available.
……………………………………….
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22nd, 2020 at 11 A.M. – Annual Major Octavius V. Catto Ceremony
Honor ceremony; wreath laying; military salute at the Catto Monument at the South Front of City Hall at 11:00 A.M. to honor the great Black equal rights and military leader. There will be a 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: Mary O’Brien at the Union League to reserve lunch:
obrienm@unionleague.org
Information: Dr. Andy Waskie – 215-423-3930 or awaski01@gmail.com
The Independence Hall Association has an excellent website for
O.V. Catto resources at: https://catto.ushistory.org/
……………………………………….
SUNDAY, APRIL 5th, 2020 from 12 noon – 5 P.M. – Annual History Symposium at West Laurel Hill Cemetery
21st Annual History Symposium: The War with Mexico: Training Ground for the Civil War
Cost: $45. for lunch and snacks. PLEASE NOTE: THIS WILL BE A CATERED LUNCH. RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE IN ADVANCE. THERE WILL BE NO WALK ONS !!!
Four expert historians will cover how many generals of the Civil War earned their spurs: by fighting in the Mexican War. Learn about the war and some of its aspects in this half-day symposium with speakers such as Guillermo Bosch, Professors John Selby, and Rick Trimble.
Call: Jerry McCormick
215-848-7753
or email: gedwinmc@msn.com
LOCATION: West Laurel Hill Cemetery – Conservatory at the Bell Tower
215 Belmont Avenue
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 –
http://westlaurelhill.com/about/visit
FREE PARKING at the CONSERVATORY
……………………………………….
SATURDAY MAY 2nd, 2020 – The General George G. Meade Society Presents a One-Day Trip –
Quaint & Historic Burial Grounds In Philadelphia That You May Never Have Visited
Cost: $50. Per Person
All Inclusive Tour Includes Bus and Driver Tip, & Lunch at McGILLIN’S OLD ALE HOUSE
- Leave Laurel Hill Cemetery, 8:00 AM
- Leverington Cemetery, 6075 Ridge Avenue
- Palmer Cemetery, 1410 Palmer Street
- Christ Church Historic Burial Ground, 340 N 5th St
- Lunch at historic McGillin’s Old Ale House, 1310 Drury Street
- Woodland Cemetery, 4000 Woodland Avenue
- Old Cathedral Cemetery, 1032 N. 48th Street
- Return to Laurel Hill Cemetery 5:30 PM
To reserve, email Jerry McCormick at: gedwinmc@msn.com
Or call: 215-848-7753
Send checks payable to The General Meade Society to:
Jerry McCormick, Treasurer
3692 Stanton Street
Philadelphia, PA 19129
……………………………………….
SUNDAY, MAY 17th, 2020 – Gravesite placement of veterans’ flags at Laurel Hill Cemetery – 10 AM
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
……………………………………….
SUNDAY May 24th, 2020 – Annual Memorial Day Observed at Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA. – 12 Noon
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, at Sunday, May 24, 2020. 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. 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
……………………………………….