Gettysburg 150th Anniversary Commemoration

I know this is a bit off topic, but it's my blog.   Michael Bennett, commander of the local Sons of Union Veterans Camp, and I co-direct a Civil War Speakers Series that takes place the first Wednesday of each month at the White Plains Historical Society's Purdy House.  We've enjoyed a variety of speakers over the past year who have spoken on a surprising range of topics related to the Civil War era.   This weekend we are trying something different: we'll be commemorating the Battle of Gettysburg which took place July 1 through 3, in 1863 - 150 year ago this coming week.  The event will take place this Sunday, June 30 at 2 pm at the White Plains Rural Cemetery, 167 N. Broadway, White Plains.  We'll have a recitation of the Gettysburg address, singing of the national anthem and a brief talk about the significance of Gettysburg with particular focus on the dozen veterans of the battle who are buried at the White Plains Rural Cemetery.  We'll tell the stories of men like Greenburgh residents George Lewis and Edward W. Bogart, who served in the 95th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment and fought on all three days of the battle.  Local dignitaries have said they will attend, including White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, Assemblyman Bill Ryan and a representative from Governor Cuomo's office.  All are invited to attend and participate in this unique opportunity to remember the turning point of the Civil War and the men who served there to preserve our nation united and free.