Campaigners To March For Preservation In November

Hardcore campaigners will march through Virginia on Nov. 1 and 2 to raise funds for endangered battlefields.

What event organizer Robert Lee Hodge terms a “March of Dimes-style” event will generate funds through reenactor sponsorships totaling a minimum of $100 per individual.

The march will take place near Middleburg. Proceeds will benefit battlefield acquisition at Fredericksburg’s Slaughter Pen Farm, Franklin and Wilson’s Creek.

“In addition to the reenactors raising the $100 minimum for the battlefields, they will also be required to meet authenticity standards, akin to the preservation march in 2000,” said Hodge.

That march, with 300 highly authentic reenactors participating, raised $57,000 for battlefield purchases at Franklin, Chancellorsville, McDowell and Loudoun County preservation causes.

“In 2000 my reenacting peers really came through, as I thought they would. Our efforts started the first campaign to save land at Franklin in decades. We really made a difference, and we need to continue that spirit,” Hodge said.
As in 2000, the march will take place on some of the most pristine land in America, which, Hodge noted, ironically is in the fastest-growing county in the United States – Loudoun County, Virginia.

The Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) will be the facilitator of the funds. Forty percent will go to Slaughter Pen Farm, 30 percent to Franklin, 20 percent to Wilson’s Creek, and the remaining 10 percent will help protect Loudoun County’s Civil War sites.

Donations will be by check or money order to CWPT and sent to Hodge for accounting before they are forwarded to CWPT.

“Preservation is a continuing battle, and always will be. We need to remember it needs to be looked at as a lifestyle and not a fad,” said Hodge. “This march is an enjoyable way to contribute to the efforts of other preservationists. The ranks always need more volunteers.”

To sponsor a reenactor on the 2008 Preservation March go to www.battlefieldpreservation.org.

Reenactors interested in participating should go to www.cwreenactors.com/preservation2008

For more information about the preservation march contact Hodge at preservation.2008@hotmail.com or hodge@wideawakefilms.com