The Gettysburg Remembrance March, officially known as the Gettysburg Remembrance Day Parade, is an annual event held in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The 67th Annual Remembrance Day Parade took place on November 18, 2023. This event is a tribute to the soldiers and civilians of the American Civil War and is part of a series of activities commemorating the anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
The parade typically begins at 1 p.m. and follows a specific route: it lines up on Middle Street, proceeds to Baltimore Street, and then turns onto Steinwehr Avenue. The event is sponsored by the Sons of Veterans Reserve, the Military Department of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. It’s a gathering that attracts hundreds of living history enthusiasts and reenactors, including representations of historical figures such as Robert E. Lee, General Ulysses S. Grant, and Abraham Lincoln. The atmosphere is one of commemoration and celebration, with bands playing patriotic tunes.
In addition to the parade, the Remembrance Day activities include the Gettysburg Remembrance Day Balls, held at the Eisenhower Inn. These balls are costumed events featuring period music and dancing, open to everyone, including those without prior dance experience. The proceeds from the ball are used for monument preservation at the Gettysburg National Military Park.
Another significant event is the Gettysburg Remembrance Day Illumination at the Gettysburg National Cemetery. This solemn tribute features 3,512 luminary candles placed on the gravesites of those who fell at Gettysburg, with the soldiers’ names read throughout the evening.
Visitors can also explore historic sites like Robert E. Lee’s Headquarters and the Wills House, where Abraham Lincoln completed the Gettysburg Address. These sites are open during the Remembrance Day weekend, offering insights into the historical significance of the Battle of Gettysburg.
