Delaware to hold memorial commemoration Nov. 4 at Gettysburg battlefield

With November the time of year to remember U.S. veterans, the State of Delaware will be holding a memorial service at Gettysburg National Military Park for the Delaware troops who fought at the Battle of Gettysburg. One of the most important battles in world history, Gettysburg was a turning point in the American Civil War as the Union victory repulsed the Confederate forces' final attempt to invade the North.

Delaware will commemorate its troops Monday, Nov. 4, with a ceremony at 2 p.m. at the site of the 1st Delaware Infantry Monument on Cemetery Ridge. This is where the 1st Delaware Infantry Regiment was stationed during the second and third days of the battle.

To promote participation and attendance for the event, the Delaware Heritage Commission and the Delaware Public Archives are sponsoring a coach bus trip to Gettysburg National Battlefield. There is no fee for the bus, and a free tour of the battlefield will be provided.

The bus will leave the Delaware Public Archives at 8 a.m., Monday, Nov. 4, and arrive at the Gettysburg National Battlefield Visitor Center at approximately 11:15 a.m. There will be some time to get lunch and explore the Visitor Center before reboarding at 12:45 p.m. for a tour of the battlefield. At 1:45 p.m., the bus will bring everyone to the site of the 1st Delaware Infantry Monument, where the ceremony will begin at 2 p.m.

One of the features of the ceremony will be the laying of a wreath by the state of Delaware to honor the Delaware soldiers who fought and died at the battle. Other groups will have the opportunity to lay a wreath at the site. Contact Suzan Voshell, 302-744-5050, if a group wishes to lay a wreath at the ceremony.

Following the conclusion of the ceremony, the bus will return immediately to Delaware, arriving at the Delaware Public Archives at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Space is limited. All reservations must be made by Friday, Nov. 1. Reserve seats at 302-744-5050.