This weekend is Remembrance Day Weekend in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. An annual celebration commemorating the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg on November 19, 1863, and President Abraham Lincoln’s delivery of the now-famous Gettysburg Address, Remembrance Day celebrations and ceremonies throughout the Town of Gettysburg have been faithfully held each year since 1868. Of course, the onsite celebrations that occur in conjunction with the occasion have changed over time. Also, since November 19 isn’t always guaranteed to fall on a weekend (although this year it does), all the major annual Remembrance Day celebrations that have become such traditions always take place on the closest weekend to that date.
This year marks a major milestone as it is the Gettysburg National Cemetery’s 160th anniversary. That being said, if you happen to be out and about Gettysburg this weekend, you can expect to take in several celebratory Remembrance Day events. Here’s a look at just some of the most popular can’t-miss happenings around town.
Ongoing Live Music
Music is just the thing to set off any celebration. That’s why the 46th Pennsylvania Brass Band & the Camptown Shakers will be performing ongoing concerts all day on both November 18 and 19 onsite at the Gettysburg Mercantile Museum & Ice Cream Parlor. Presenting traditional Civil War-era musical stylings, these ongoing concerts are free and open to the public to drop in and enjoy at any time during the weekend. Additionally, the Gettysburg Mercantile Museum will be open with extended hours throughout the weekend.
Annual Remembrance Day Parade
The most highly anticipated daytime event on Saturday, November 18 is of course the 67th Annual Remembrance Day Parade. Stepping off at approximately 1 p.m., the procession will venture a route through Middle and Baltimore Streets as well as down Steinwehr Avenue. This event is sponsored by the Sons of Veterans Reserve, the Military Department of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, and is a way to honor both soldiers and civilians of the American Civil War. Costumed participants comprise those from the Civil War era specifically as well as those from other historic wartime eras. It’s truly a patriotic sight to behold.
Annual Remembrance Day Illumination in Gettysburg National Cemetery
For more than two decades the Gettysburg Foundation has been presenting this dazzling nighttime spectacular commemoration in which luminary candles are placed on each of the 3,512 Civil War soldiers’ graves throughout the Gettysburg National Cemetery. Occurring from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the evening of Saturday, November 18, this is a solemn walkthrough event open for anyone to attend, free of charge. However, every year the Gettysburg Foundation accepts candle sponsorship purchases in honor or memory of loved ones. Sponsorships are $18.63 each.
Remembrance Day Celebration with David Kincaid
Following the Remembrance Day Illumination, at 9 p.m. on November 18, you may want to head on over to the Lomas Center Museum for a night of song and celebration. As part of Remembrance Day Weekend festivities, renowned musician and historian David Kincaid will be onsite presenting a combination of specifically chosen songs for the occasion, leading a live concert performance you won’t want to miss. General admission is $50 and is limited to just 58 seats. For an additional $10 you can purchase add-on tickets for a special Questions and Answers session with David Kincaid following the show.
Dedication Day Ceremony: 160th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address
Start the morning off on Sunday, November 19 on what is officially “Dedication Day” by attending the Dedication Day Ceremony at 10:15 a.m. This year’s event will be held at the Majestic Theater and, as always, is free and open to the public (although seating is limited). Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
The keynote speaker this year will be Susan Eisenhower, granddaughter of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. A recitation of the Gettysburg Address will be presented by Emmy®-nominated actor, Graham Sibley, star of the History Channel’s series Abraham Lincoln. Two-time Grammy® Award-winning American opera singer, J’Nai Bridges, will also be onsite with a special performance honoring opera singer and civil rights pioneer, Marian Anderson. Other guest appearances will be made by Lincoln scholars, Doris Kearns Goodwin and Harold Holzer.
Annual Lincoln Fellowship Luncheon
Immediately following the conclusion of the Dedication Day Ceremony, the Annual Lincoln Fellowship Luncheon will commence at noon on location at Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel. The luncheon will include a conversation with Susan Eisenhower along with a continuation of the Marian Anderson tribute with a performance by J’Nai Bridges.
The luncheon will conclude at 3 p.m. Attending costs $60 for members and $70 for nonmembers.
In addition to all those highlighted here, there will be plenty of other ongoing events surrounding Remembrance Day and the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address throughout the week. Gettysburg is forever the site of special, historic happenings.