Two of Gettysburg's largest annual events will coincide on November 19, for a day highlighted by a ceremony in Gettysburg honoring Lincoln's immortal address, a parade through downtown and an illuminary featuring more than 3,500 candles in the national cemetery.
Dedication Day – a time in which Gettysburg honors the Gettysburg Address and President Abraham Lincoln's visit to Gettysburg – is held annually on November 19. Remembrance Day, a time when thousands of Civil War re-enactors and living historians converge on the historic town to honor the brave men who gave their lives fighting in the nation's most famous battle, is always held the Saturday closest to Dedication Day. This year, both occur on the same day, making it a popular time to visit Gettysburg and pay tribute to these historic events.
The day starts at 9:30am with a Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Soldiers' National Monument in the Soldiers' National Cemetery. The Dedication Day ceremony follows at 9:45. The ceremony includes remarks, Civil War-era music and the reciting of the Gettysburg Address.
At approximately 11am, immediately following the Dedication Day Ceremony, a Salute to U.S. Colored Troops will follow near the eastern portion of the cemetery. This salute will feature soldiers re-enacting the U.S. Colored Troops, along with presentations by historian Deb McCauslin and Getty.
The Remembrance Day Parade begins at 1:30pm, and can be seen from High Street, Baltimore Street, and Steinwehr Avenue. A ceremony will follow in Zeigler's Grove at the Gettysburg National Military Park. The parade attracts re-enactors from as far away as Europe.
The day is capped off with the Remembrance Day Illuminary in the Soldiers' National Cemetery.
For more information on Dedication Day or Remembrance Day, call the Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau at (717) 334-6274 or visit www.gettysburg.travel.
For more information about top events in Pennsylvania take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Pennsylvania.