The GENERAL MEADE SOCIETY of PHILADELPHIA is involved in several Civil War-related events during the year.
Events and further details to be announced as more information is available.
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2022 Events Civil War History Events – Philadelphia Region
Philadelphia, Penna.: Friday, February 11, 2022
Annual Lincoln Birthday Celebration Parade and Ceremonies, sponsored by the Union League of Philadelphia.
Civil War military units, civilians, and heritage groups are welcome and encouraged to march in the parade through Philadelphia to Independence Hall to honor President Lincoln on his birthday. Participants will gather at the Union League, 140 S. Broad St. by 10am.
Complimentary parking is available at Laz Garage on the N.W. corner of 15th & Sansom St. only. There are no reimbursements for those who park elsewhere. Arrive between 9:00am – 10:00am and obtain a parking pass from a guard at the Sansom St. Entrance, opposite the Union League garage. Proceed to Laz garage at 114 S 15th St to park. Return to the Union League.
Color Guards, Firing Party, music, and wreaths are appreciated. There will be a complimentary lunch for the participants at 12 noon. After the parade ALL are invited to return to the Union League via coach for refreshments and entertainment in the historic League House. To register: Contact:
Dr. Andy Waskie. 215-423-3930 or awaski01@gmail.com
Memorial Day Services – 2022
Gravesite placement of veterans’ flags at Laurel Hill Cemetery Sunday, May 22, 2022
Legion Post 405 annual placement of US flags on veterans’ graves.
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 provided.
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, Philadelphia, PA. Sunday, May 29, 2022
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 veterans’ markers will be dedicated at the graves of 2 previously unmarked veterans:
* LTC. James Seibert. Commander of the 7th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry
* Lt. Hugh Craig, Officer of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, PA National Guard, Span-Am War Veteran
*Corporal William Geizer, 109th U.S. Infantry, 28th Division KIA in France in WWI
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.
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 on Monday, May 30, 2022 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!
Annual Major Octavius V. Catto Honor Ceremony
Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 11am – Anniversary of the Assassination of Major Catto
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: Breanna Pleiss at the Union League to reserve lunch:
PleisB@unionleague.org
Information: Dr. Andy Waskie
awaski01@gmail.com
The Armed Services Council Presents The Major OV Catto Awards
Ceremony & Luncheon
Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 12:30pm
The Major Octavius V. Catto Honor Ceremony will begin at 11am, with lunch to follow. We will meet at the 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. The Major Catto Medal of the Pennsylvania National Guard will be awarded after the Luncheon to deserving PA Guardsmen. There will be a signature/cash bar available. Price: $40 inclusive
Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia 3822 Ridge Ave
Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 1100
US Marine Corps Birthday Observance at the grave of General Jacob Zeilin, 7th Commandant of the Marine Corps. A special ‘Veterans’ Day tour of heroes ‘killed in action’ and buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery will follow.
Call 215.228.8200 for details. www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org
Co-sponsored by: The Legion Post 405; MOLLUS; General Meade Society
Dr. Andy Waskie
awaski01@gmail.com or 215-423-3930
Pennsylvania, PA. Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Remembrance Day in Gettysburg
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.
Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA. Saturday, December 31, 2022.
Annual General Meade Birthday Celebration will mark the 207th 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.