2012-05-27T02:57:56Z http://blog.artilleryreserve.org/atom.aspx Quick Blogcast tag:blog.artilleryreserve.org,2012-05-25:4a599bc5-a404-4769-8983-9af55d2ed343 Administrator 2012-05-25T22:45:46Z 2012-05-25T22:45:46Z Federal Command 150th Antietam-Sharpsburg Reenactment On May 11th, our Federal Commander, friend and brother reenactor, Rick Dussinger, passed away. Just as 150 years ago, when a commander fell, another stepped up to lead the troops. Darrell Markijohn of the USV has agreed to serve as the Federal Commander for the September 14, 15 and 16th Reenactment. Our thanks to the USV. Commemorative Program Register by July 15th and your name will be listed as a reenactor participant in the 150th Antietam-Sharpsburg Commemorative Program. This keepsake is over 80 pages and includes reprints from the 1962 Centennial Program. Register now and become a part of history. www.150thAntietamReenactment.com Artillery There are still a few openings available for Confederate Cannons. Please contact us at Antietam150th@aol.com or print a registration form off the website at www.150thAntietamReenactment.com if you are interested in participating. FEDERAL ARTILLERY is CLOSED with 38 full scale guns registered. School Days On Friday, September 14th the Antietam-Sharpsburg Reenactment will be hosting a "History Comes Alive" School Day program for young scholars from the Washington County area schools. If you or your unit is interested in participating, please contact us at Antietam150th@aol.com. Battle Scenarios The battle scenarios for the weekend are available on the website at www.150thAntietamReenactment.com. Check out the schedules and download your application form. The website is updated weekly, so keep checking in for updates. Memorial Day Memorial Day was formerly known as Decoration Day. It originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. (Southern ladies organizations and southern school children had decorated Confederate graves in Richmond and other cities during the Civil War, but each region had its own date. Most dates were in May.) By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in any war. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. During this Memorial Day weekend, as we reflect on all the sacrifices of our military and their families, please keep in your hearts and prayers Rick Dussinger's wife, Linda, his daughters and Dad. ... tag:blog.artilleryreserve.org,2012-05-25:ad16bd14-5656-4d5a-8c6a-42b3aee3b3f0 Administrator 2012-05-25T22:44:17Z 2012-05-25T22:44:17Z Gettysburg National Military Park News ReleaseFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 24, 2012Contact: Katie Lawhon Phone: 717/ 334-1124 x 3121 Join National Park Rangers at Gettysburg For Free Guided Walks and Programs GETTYSBURG, Pa. – As the nation continues to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, Park Rangers at Gettysburg National Military Park are inviting the public to experience free battlefield walks and programs beginning June 9. Guided battle walks, tours, campfire programs, children’s programs and civil war living history programs are offered every day through August 12. Programs take place at famous sites like Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, Culp’s Hill, Cemetery Hill and the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. The programs focus on the battle, key moments of the fighting, the aftermath, and the Civil War experience. In addition to rangers, costumed interpreters will present programs called “Visits to the Past,” portraying men and women who witnessed and participated in the events of 1863 in Gettysburg. “Join the Army” is a program for children ages 6 to 12 where participants "enlist" in the army and learn something about what it meant to be a soldier in a Civil War regiment. Gettysburg’s Junior Ranger program is a free family-oriented activity that allows children ages 5 to 13 to become Junior Rangers by completing an activity guide as they visit the park and museum. In the park’s Museum and Visitor Center, programs using “Hands-on History Carts” offer opportunities for kids to try Civil War dress-up games, parlor games, and other fun. For those who prefer indoor programs, the park is offering free daily programs in the classroom at the park Museum and Visitor Center - “The Battle Overview” and, on weekends, “Monuments of Gettysburg.” Gettysburg Battle Anniversary Programs, July 1, 2, and 3 In addition to summer programs offered daily, rangers will present special anniversary battle walks on July 1, 2 and 3, to explore key events. These in-depth programs are three hours in length. In addition to these longer anniversary battle walks on July 1, 2 and 3, rangers are also offering an extensive list of “Real-Time” programs that follow and explain the battle in chronological order and as close as possible to the real time when the events described took place. The programs range in length from 30 minutes to an hour. “Real-Time” programs involve minimal walking, although visitors will need to make short drives by vehicle between program locations. Historic Downtown Gettysburg On Sundays at 6 p.m. Rangers offer “Long Remembered” walks that look at the aftermath of the battle in the town of Gettysburg and Abraham Lincoln’s visit to give the Gettysburg Address. These programs start at the historic Lincoln Train Station on Carlisle Street in Gettysburg and include a special focus on the David Wills House. After August 12 Rangers continue a more limited program schedule until mid-November. To find out what’s being offered before and after the summer schedule, start your visit at the Park Museum and Visitor Center and pick up a daily schedule. Begin your visit to Gettysburg at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike. For more information and a list of these programs go http://www.nps.gov/gett. For advance tickets to the film, cyclorama painting program, and museum exhibits, call 877-874-2478 or go to www.gettysburgfoundation.org Gettysburg National Military Park is a unit of the National Park Service that preserves and protects the resources associated with the Battle of Gettysburg and the Soldiers' National Cemetery, and provides an understanding of the events that occurred there within the context of American history. -NPS- Katie LawhonManagement AssistantGettysburg National Military Park1195 Baltimore Pike, Suite 100Gettysburg, PA 17325phone: 717/ 334-1124 x3121fax: 717/334-1891www.nps.gov/gett"From the Fields of Gettysburg" blog: http://npsgnmp.wordpress.com/ ... tag:blog.artilleryreserve.org,2012-05-21:fe9cd084-a1d9-45b3-ad8c-c6e85836448c Administrator 2012-05-21T16:06:21Z 2012-05-21T16:06:21Z Published May 21, 2012Associated PressA cannon firing demonstration at by costumed interpreters at Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, Mich., on Lake Huron, an important site in the War of 1812. (AP)The ramparts of the Chalmette Battlefield at Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve, the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans, where Andrew Jackson led the final U.S. victory in the War of 1812. (AP)The USS Constitution, which was an important vessel in the U.S. fleet during the War of 1812, fires guns in Boston Harbor. (AP)Pity the War of 1812. Its bicentennial is at hand and events are planned for all over North America, from Canada and the Great Lakes to the Mid-Atlantic and the South. But good luck finding someone who can explain in 10 words or less what the war was about.Some historians see the war as a last gasp by England to control its former colonies, and it's sometimes called the Second War of Independence. At the time, Americans viewed the war "as an opportunity for us to throw off Britain once and for all," said Troy Bickham, author of a new book out in June called "The Weight of Vengeance: The United States, the British Empire and the War of 1812."But in Canada, the War of 1812 is seen as an attempted land grab by the U.S. The U.S. invaded Canada and at one point controlled Toronto, but the British, seeking control of the Great Lakes, won Detroit and other important ports.The War of 1812 was also complicated by what Bickham calls "parallel wars." The British were fighting the Napoleonic Wars in Europe at the time, while the U.S. battled Native Americans allied with Britain for control of frontier territories from Michigan to Alabama.Amid the muddle, a few important episodes stand out, from decisive battles to the burning of the White House. Some events are being commemorated with programs, exhibits and military re-enactments, from now through the bicentennial of the Battle of New Orleans, in 2015. Other key moments from the war involve important artifacts or historic sites that can be seen any time. Here are some details.THE FLAG: The War of 1812 inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner" after soldiers at Fort McHenry in Baltimore raised an American flag to mark a victory over the British on Sept. 14, 1814. The fort is now a National Park site. The original manuscript for the song will be part of a War of 1812 exhibit at the Maryland Historical Society, 201 W. Monument St., in Baltimore, opening June 10.Also in Baltimore, a June 13-19 "Star-Spangled Sailabration" will include a parade of 40 tall ships and naval vessels, an airshow featuring the Blue Angels and other festivities. The flotilla is one of several organized by Operation Sail, Inc., which has partnered with the U.S. Navy to mark the War of 1812 bicentennial, with additional tall ship events scheduled for May 23-30 in New York City, June 1-12 in Norfolk, Va., June 30-July 5 in Boston and July 6-8 in New London, Conn. The OpSail and Navy commemorations started in New Orleans in April.In Washington, D.C., you can see the flag that inspired the national anthem, tattered with age and on display in a darkened room to help preserve it, at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. At the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, paintings of key figures from the war will be part of a show called "1812: A Nation Emerges," opening June 15.THE WHITE HOUSE: When the British burned down the White House on Aug. 24, 1814, First Lady Dolley Madison famously refused to leave until the portrait of George Washington was saved. The painting, by Gilbert Stuart, hangs in the White House today, and there seem to be no lingering hard feelings against England. As President Obama joked during a recent visit by British Prime Minister David Cameron: "It's now been 200 years since the British came here to the White House under somewhat different circumstances. They made quite an impression. They really lit the place up! But we moved on."USS CONSTITUTION: Britain had 600 ships while the U.S. had just 17, including the USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, which Bickham says was the most important ship in our fleet. You can visit the ship in Charleston, Mass., just outside of Boston.ALABAMA: One of the biggest U.S. victories of the war took place in Horseshoe Bend, now a National Park site in Alabama, about 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, . Here Andrew Jackson led the slaughter of the Creek Red Sticks tribe, ending a longstanding conflict with the natives and securing 23 million acres of territory for the U.S.NEW ORLEANS: Jackson also led the final American victory of the war at the Battle of New Orleans, which took place on the Chalmette Battlefield, now part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Jackson's triumphs in Alabama and New Orleans made him a national hero and he was eventually elected U.S. president.GREAT LAKES: Many of the war's important battles were fought as Britain sought control of Great Lakes territories and states including parts of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania.Fort Dearborn, located where Chicago is now, was destroyed during the war. Fort Mackinac on Michigan's Mackinac Island in Lake Huron, which was captured by the British early in the war, is still standing and is ... tag:blog.artilleryreserve.org,2012-05-20:fc25c5d1-f4b3-4c8e-9a5a-a9a5d664fefa Administrator 2012-05-20T23:14:12Z 2012-05-20T23:14:12Z ... tag:blog.artilleryreserve.org,2012-05-20:83ea0601-fd4f-414e-93d0-e5b75e492162 Administrator 2012-05-20T23:12:07Z 2012-05-20T23:12:07Z ... tag:blog.artilleryreserve.org,2012-04-24:ac4918d2-fc73-43f0-82e8-7531b80494a4 Administrator 2012-04-25T01:26:58Z 2012-04-25T01:26:58Z Dear Friends,Philadelphia served as more than an arsenal for the Union during theCivil War; it was the railhead where hundreds of thousands of Unionsoldiers boarded trains that would take them to the War. Philadelphiaeducated the majority of Civil War doctors both North and South, andPhiladelphia was the center of the most dynamic and important debatesabout the issues that defined the War itself; Habeas Corpus, StatesRights, Patriotism, Civil Rights, and of course, slavery andemancipation. It was in Philadelphia that the first training camp forUnited States Colored troops was established, and it was in Philadelphiathat the Union League first began. Belmont Plateau was intended tocommemorate the 150th Anniversary of America's Civil War andPhiladelphia's contributions to the final victory, to perpetuateAmerican Civil War History, and to educate the public as to itsimportance. But most importantly, to create a sense of pride and abonding that would be everlasting among Philadelphia's citizenry. TheBelmont Plateau Reenactment Committee has worked tirelessly over thepast two years to bring Belmont Plateau to fruition, but due tounforeseen events and issues, they are saddened to announce thecancellation of Philadelphia's Belmont Plateau Reenactment. TheCommittee deeply regrets this decision and apologizes to everyone forany inconvenience. Registration fees will be refunded immediately to allunits and sutlers that have preregistered. Again, our deepest regretsand sincerest apologies, Belmont PlateauCommitteeJohn J. Meko, Jr. Executive Director The Foundations of The Union League of Philadelphia140 South Broad StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19102215-587-5583 fax: 215-851-8789mekoj@unionleague.orgwww.ulheritagecenter.org ... tag:blog.artilleryreserve.org,2012-02-13:4c1dee56-89d1-4bba-90d5-e5b0c3d76101 Administrator 2012-02-14T02:20:33Z 2012-02-14T02:20:33Z http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HALR8bZeXJIDear Brothers,As a child in the 1940's, traveling with my dad from New Jersey to Staten Island, he would drive around a traffic circle in Perth Amboy before going over the Outerbridge Crossing to Staten Island. I remember that in the center of that circle was a WWI monument of an American Doughboy charging through barbed wire carrying his Springfield rifle in one hand and the other raised high above his shoulders. I learned later that the statute by John Paulding was titled "Over the Top". As a youngster I was in awe by that green patina soldier and always looked for him on our travels. And then one day he was lying on the ground, pulled from the pedestal that held him in the highest esteen; his rifle and bayonnet bent, never to be straighten, even after he was placed upon his rightful perch. Again he suffered the humiliation of being torn down and never to be returned for me to admire and dream of his great feats of courage. I am at a loss to this day, trying to understand why some of my fellow citizens would stoop to such a level as to defile and destroy our monuments that we Americans hold so dear. There doesn't seem to be a historic place in our country that hasn't been victimized; parks, town squares and even cemeteries go unprotected from this vermin. Bridgeton, New Jersey, is the scene of the latest destruction. The monument to Co. K has been damaged by vandals and needs to be restored. The town hasn't he funds to complete the restoration and is calling upon the public for donations. I am asking members of the Artillery Reserve to dig down into their pockets and donate to this worthy cause. As artillery reenactors, we are dedicated to Civil War preservation and the legacy of those who fought to make America 'one Nation indivisible'. After viewing the video, I am sure that you will agree that another day without restoration of "Soldier at Rest" would be unacceptable. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HALR8bZeXJIYour Obedient Servant,Jim Lynch, AAG.United States Artillery Rerserve "ministrare non ministrari" ... tag:blog.artilleryreserve.org,2011-09-05:6f393938-0b30-4a48-ab79-c1c02d1a9733 Administrator 2011-09-05T17:20:32Z 2011-09-05T17:20:32Z Gentlemen:The New Market website for 2012 is up and running.Click HERE to go to the website for information.I would like you to consider attending again this event for 2012.With your help we have gone from one gun, to a full six gun battery. If two more cannon join, us we could have two four gun batteries on the field.There will undoubtedly be an artillery duel on Friday, which is the start of the events. Last years event saw the Federal artillery taking center stage on Saturday, first with a full battery demo for the spectators, then our battery getting overrun by real VMI after their long march. Saturday's tactical also saw the artillery in a prominent position.New Market is a rare event where we occupy original gun emplacements and get to fight on hallowed ground. For those of you that have not been here for a while, things have gotten better, cut grass, and more Porto-Johns to name a few.It Is My Honor To Remain Your Most Humble And Obedient ServantMajor Jeffrey CohenDept. of Western Virginia ArtilleryPhone 732-499-0235Cell 848-467-0299 ... tag:blog.artilleryreserve.org,2011-01-02:0a7d4058-49ec-4a91-9cb3-b6cce8d4229b Administrator 2011-01-02T19:32:00Z 2011-01-02T19:32:00Z FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS PROJECT CLICK HERE ... tag:blog.artilleryreserve.org,2010-07-29:5ab48d7e-ca1d-4eb7-b6aa-759c3a369a41 Administrator 2010-07-29T21:51:00Z 2010-07-29T21:51:00Z To all Reserve Unit, web master's, Please refer to the Reserve "Member Login" area, located on our website www.artilleryreserve.org for information pertaining to our new membership logo for your individual web sites. If you are not aware of the password please contact your unit commander for such information. Thank You Rick Dennis, Major ...