Remembrance Day Weekend in Gettysburg

By Steve Reilly · Originally published January 2019 · p. 19

Reverend Father William Corby’s bronze statue is south of Gettysburg on Hancock Avenue near the George Weickert Farm. Father William Corby was chaplain to the 88th New York Infantry of the famous Irish Brigade.

Remembrance Day Weekend in Gettysburg By Steve Reilly I had been a very active member in the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War for over thirty years, but never participated in Remembrance Weekend in Gettysburg. Each November, thousands of Civil War reenactors and historians travel to Gettysburg for the annual Remembrance Day Weekend. It is a time to remember the soldiers from both sides who died on the fields of Gettysburg. This year also marked the 155th Anniversary of President Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address. While many of the events are very well known and attended by thousands, some are not as well known. On Saturday morning many Union units marched to the National Cemetery to pay respects to their states’ dead. To me, it seemed the highlight of the day was the parade sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans. To my surprise, thousands of Union and Confederate reenactors marched through the Gettysburg with their drums beating. I was invited to march just behind Major General Robert Grim, the Commanding General of the SVR, SUVCW so I witnessed the full parade as it marched past the reviewing stand. I can tell you that anyone who feels the hobby, or interest in the Civil War, is fading out just doesn’t understand the spirit driving the men and women who are involved. Few know of the Irish Catholic Mass that has been said each year, for the last twenty years or so. The Mass is sponsored by the 69th New York Historical Association. The old Fighting 69th of the Irish Brigade is the regiment my grandfather joined on April 21, 1861, and my son Rich is now commanding officer of Delta Company, 1/69 N.Y.N.G. The Mass is said at the Father William Corby Memorial for the Union and Confederates soldiers who gave their lives at Gettysburg. The memorial is located on Cemetery Ridge overlooking the Wheatfield. This year’s Irish Catholic Mass was celebrated by Father David Moreno, SDB and Father James Luckashinsky. The Mass was held near where the Irish Brigade was given absolution by Father William Corby, one of the more famous scenes from the movie Gettysburg. General Longstreet’s boys, had just broken through General Sickles Union line and the Irish Brigade was about to be sent into the Wheatfield to stop them. The Irish Mass was well attended by Union soldiers and civilians; it started at 3:30 p.m. and ended just as the sun was setting behind Seminary Ridge. All are invited by the 69th New York Historical Association to attend next year. It never hurts to say a prayer for our honored dead or our military serving around the world.

Abraham Lincoln on the speakers’ platform at the dedication of the National Cemetery of Gettysburg, November 19, 1863.

(Library of Congress)

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