General Meade’s Birthday Celebrated!

Originally published March 2019 · pp. 18–19

Find a Grave representative Russ Dodge at the grave of Major Frederick Revere, of the 2nd NJ Cavalry.

General Meade’s Birthday Celebrated! PHILADELPHIA, Penn.—On Dec. 31, 2018, General Gordon S. Meade’s 203rd birthday was celebrated at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, Penn. This was the 26th time the occasion was marked by the General Meade Society. The Society was formed in 1996 and its mission is to “discuss the General’s role in the American Civil War and other related topics” (Source: https://generalmeadesociety.org/ about/mission/). As most of the readers of the Civil War News know, General Meade was the commander of the Army of the Potomac when it defeated General Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia at the largest battle of the Civil War in Gettysburg, Penn. Organized by Temple University professor, and General Meade impressionist, Anthony (Andy) Waskie, the celebration features a march to the general’s grave, speeches, an honor volley, 19th century period band performances by Beck’s Philadelphia Brigade Band, and refreshments, including the general’s favorite beverage, champagne! Rain threatened to soak the celebrants, but fortunately held off long enough for the graveside events to be completed. The refreshments were served indoors, so the event was a great success in all respects, and its goal of keeping General Meade’s memory alive was a great success as well. Joe Bordonaro is a USAF veteran (1973–1977), Glassboro State College graduate (1980), Catholic school teacher (St. Joseph’s ProCathedral, 1983–1988), and retired public school teacher (Mullica Township School, 1988–2009). He has been involved with Civil War reenacting/living history since 1999. Joe began submitting articles to the Civil War News in 2005 and has been covering events for the News on a regular basis since 2016. Joe lives in Mount Laurel, NJ, and has been married to his wife Karen for 29 years. If you wish to contact Joe, you may send an email to [email protected]. Major Andre C. McCoy, USA, spoke at the commemoration. His ancestor, Private James R. Hitzelberger, served in the Union Army.

General George Meade. (Library of Congress) The Mifflin Guard by Meade’s grave site.

Beck’s Philadelphia Brigade Band braved the cold to greet the birthday celebrants.

Howard Napier portrayed a line captain of the U.S. Navy at the grave site ceremonies.

General Meade’s final resting place has a beautiful view of the Schuylkill River.

The Color Guard included a representative of the Navy, Dan Cashin, of the Lehigh & Bradbury Camp of the Sons of Union Veterans. (All photos by Joe Bordonaro)

Members of the Mifflin Guard parade to General Meade’s grave site.

Seen here holding the National Colors is Albert El. Mr. El’s wife’s great-great grandfather served in the Civil War.

Marchers included members of the Philadelphia chapter of the Daughters of Union Veterans.

Professor Andy Waskie, who organized the event, speaks during the Meade birthday celebration.

Mark Eshelman, a member of the Army War College faculty, speaks about General Meade.

The Color Guard included a representative of the Navy, Dan Cashin, of the Lehigh & Bradbury Camp of the Sons of Union (All photos by Joe Bordonaro)