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The Center for Civil War Research explains the reason for a reunion of Civil War veterans was an occasion to gather together, to relive their shared experiences, find solace in their battle‐forged bonds, to celebrate their heroic deeds, and to commemorate the sacrifices of their comrades. These reunions of regiments, corps, armies, and fraternal organizations‐ so important to the soldiers and their families‐ came eventually to serve as a symbol of a wider national reunification, despite the vast majority of reunions remaining purely separate former Union or Confederate affairs. By contrast, at infrequent “Blue and Gray” reunions, veterans of both sides made conciliatory overtures, enjoyed the hospitality of former enemies and celebrated their collective American identity. Attended by the hundreds and thousands, reunions of all kinds evoked powerful sentiments and became fertile ground for the construction of Civil War memory. The location, frequency, attendance, and content of these reunions not only demonstrates the popularity of this form of remembrance, but also the national imperative to commemorate the Civil War in a way that honored its veterans and gave meaning to their sacrifices.

Poetry has been used quite often to honor and pay tribute to those who have fallen in combat. No finer example of that is better demonstrated than the poem written by Francis Miles French who was born 1827 and died 1907. Finch wrote poetry throughout his entire life but declined a chair in rhetoric literature at Cornell University, thinking his poetry was “ only incidents along the line of a busy and laborious life.” His best known poem was “ The Blue and the Gray” written in remembrance of the dead of the was inspired by a women’s memorial association in Columbus, Mississippi who on 2

April 25, 1866 tended the graves of Confederate and Union soldiers, treating the dead as equals despite the lingering rancor of the war.

The BLUE And The GRAY

By the flow of the inland river, Whence the fleets of iron have fled, Where the blades of the grave‐grass quiver Asleep are the ranks of the dead; Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment‐ day; Under the one, the Blue, Under the other, the Gray

These in the robings of glory, Those in the gloom of defeat, All with the battle‐blood gory, In the dusk of eternity meet: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment‐day Under the laurel, the Blue, Under the willow, the Gray.

From the silence of sorrowful hours The desolate mourners go, Lovingly laden with flowers Alike for the friend and foe; Under the sod and the dew Waiting the judgment day; Under the roses, the Blue Under the lilies, the Gray

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So with an equal splendor, The morning sun‐rays fall With a touch impartially tender, On the blossoms blooming for all: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment‐day; Broidered with gold, the Blue, Mellowed with gold, the Gray,

So, when the summer calleth, On forest and field of grain, With an equal murmur falleth The cooling drip of the rain: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment‐day, Wet with the rain, the Blue Wet with the rain, the Gray,

Sadly, but not upbraiding, The generous was done, In the storm of the years that are fading No braver battle was won: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment‐day; Under the blossoms, the Blue Under the garlands, the Gray

No more shall the war cry sever, Or the winding rivers be red; They banish our anger forever When the laurel the graves of our dead! Under the sod and the dew, 4

Waiting the judgment‐day, Love and tears for the Blue, Tears and love for the gray.

The Great Reunion of 1913 was not the first joint Blue‐ Gray Reunion held at Gettysburg, nor would it be the last. This reunion would be considered the largest as there were more than 54, 000 participants. In the words of Colonel A. E. Bradley, U. S. Army Chief Surgeon “ Surely never before in the world’s history have so great a number of men so advanced in year’s been assembled under field conditions. Veterans from 46 of the 48 states would be in attendance. There were concerns ‘that there might be unpleasant differences between the blue and gray” quite the opposite took place as the reunion was repeatedly marked by events of Union and Confederate camaraderie. President Woodrow Wilson’s reunion address summarized the spirit of the event: “We have found one another again as brothers and comrades in arms, enemies no longer, generous friends rather, our battles long past, the quarrel forgotten‐ except that we shall not forget the splendid valor.” The Congressional committee used the name Celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg but other organizations and officials used numerous other names:

Celebration of the Semi‐Centenary of the Civil War Gettysburg Celebration Reunion Celebration at Gettysburg Gettysburg Reunion Gettysburg Peace Reunion Great Peace Reunion Great Peace Jubilee 5

Golden Jubilee Great Reunion Grand Reunion Blue and Gray Reunion and in a souvenir program of poems: Grand Reunion of the Blue and Gray on the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg History records that there have been 3 other reunions of the Blue and Gray at the Gettysburg battlefield. The reunion of The Philadelphia Brigade and Pickett’s Division held on July 2, 3, and 4 of 1887 and the 25th Reunion of the Battle of Gettysburg held on July 1, 2, and 3, 1888 the Philadelphia Brigade and Pickett’s Division held once again on September 15, 16, and 17, 1906. The 1887 reunion was comprised of survivors of Pickett’s Division and those of the Philadelphia Brigade. The Philadelphia Brigade fought on Cemetery Ridge on July 3, 1863 against the forces of Pickett’s Charge. A controversy erupted before the reunion when some of the Philadelphia Brigade veterans thought it would be a conciliatory gesture to return several of Pickett’s Division battle flags that had been left behind at the Battle of Bloody Angle when their color‐bearers had been killed during the attack. But there existed a problem: these flags were in the custody of the War Department and when the Philadelphia Brigade wrote to the War Department to request the release of these flags for their return to the ex‐Confederates, “the suggestion raised a mighty protest from

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Honorable Lucius Fairchild, at that time Commander‐in‐Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, and Honorable Joseph B. Foraker, then Governor of Ohio, who threatened to invade Washington with the National Guard of Ohio, if necessary, to prevent such a sacrilege.” Fortunately, as time passed cooler heads prevailed regarding the battle flags, swords and other artifacts related to the Battle of Gettysburg and other Civil War battles and exchanges became commonplace. This reunion at Gettysburg in 1887 is claimed to be “the first reunion of the Blue and Gray and took place upon any battlefield of the War of Rebellion” and was attended by more than 300 ex‐Confederates and more than that number of the survivors of the Philadelphia Brigade. The reunion on July 1, 2, and 3, 1888 was a much different reunion than the one that was held the previous year. This reunion was open to many more veterans than attended in 1887. Reports by Philadelphia newspapers that some 35,000 veterans from both sides would come together and camp on the battlefield. A New York Times headline on July 1, 1888 declared: IT’S AGAIN A TENTED FIELD SICKLES AND LONGSTREET AT GETTYSBURG THE TWO OLD_TIME ENEMIES MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE GREAT FIGHT OF THE REBELLION Signs of peace and reconciliation was everywhere. Confederate General James Longstreet was a featured speaker. According to newspaper accounts, he was given a rousing reception. His speech began, “ I was not in time to witness any part of the engagement of the first day of Gettysburg, but I am pleased to be here in time to witness these ceremonies and to express that sympathy that should go out 7

from all hearts to those who how to appreciate the conduct of soldiers who offer their lives on the altar of their country.” General Longstreet would die in 1904.Along with General Longstreet another featured speaker was Union General Dan Sickles who was also asked say a few words. His final words of his speech would sum up what time had done to sooth bitterness of war. His words were “For myself, I rejoice that I am her today to meet so many comrades and so many foes and to unite with all of you in pledges of friendship and fraternity. And now I ask you one and all, the survivors of the blue and gray, to affirm with one voice our unanimous resolve to maintain our union, preserve our institutions and defend our flag.” General Sickles would live to participate in the 1913 Gettysburg Reunion and would die in 1914. The Philadelphia Brigade and Pickett’s Division would meet one more time when a reunion would be held on September 15, 16 and 17, 1906. Many speeches were given, and the feeling was that since so many years had passed since the epic battle in 1863 that this might be the “last hurrah” for the boys from the Blue and Gray at Gettysburg. But then, as we know, less than seven years later the Great Reunion eclipsed not only the three prior gatherings but all Civil War reunions that have ever been held.

In 1908, J. H. Henry Huidekoper, a former lieutenant colonel in the 150th PA. approached the governor of Pennsylvania, Edwin Sydney Stuart with an idea. He is credited with having the original idea for a mutual reunion and the idea sparked into a larger reunion than was expected. On May 13, 1909, the Pennsylvania Assembly with assistance from Governor Stuart created the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg Commission On April 13, 1913, the Pennsylvania 8

commission completed the Pennsylvania State Memorial, the site for the reunion was selected and mailed 40,000 veteran’s invitations. The 33 contributing state provided a total of $1,033,000 for the reunion. Plans were immediately put into action so that concerns about travel on Pennsylvania roads, usage by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company to run trains between Gettysburg and Hanover. By February, 1913, water wells were being drilled for the July encampment. By June hotels in Hanover, Chambersburg, Hagerstown, and “ the Blue Ridge section were filling rapidly” For entertainment, a Gettysburg facility was started in 1912 to display the Boston version of the Gettysburg Cyclorama. Restrictions as to the maximum taxi fares in the borough of 50 cents that could be charged. There was even an obscure request from a few Missouri veterans regarding the availability near Gettysburg of “ a few good widows or old maids….. good housekeepers and not too young “ to go west after the reunion. The “ kind‐ hearted mayor” J. A. Holzworth, agreed to forward photos to the veterans in the “ Cupid operations” Accommodations for the veterans consisted of the “Great Camp” included the Great Tent (Big Tent 200x450 ft) with its 13,000 chairs, the veterans tents quarters for the 1466 war department soldiers, 2,179 mess personnel 385 Boy Scouts for a total of 57,198 people quartered at the Great Camp. The camp included a temporary U. S. Post Office. The reunion officials thought of everything including temporary morgue and a hospital and first aid stations situated throughout the battlefield. Attached to the Great Camp was battery of the Third U. S. Field Artillery and several companies of Regular Army. Four companies of the Fifteenth U. S. Calvary would be used to guard the battlefield. Heavily involved were four troops of Pennsylvania State 9

Police, Governor Tener’s staff, encampments of newspaper journalists and Boy Scouts. The events for the for four days were denoted by simple terms. July 1st would be called Veteran’s Day. July 2nd would be called Military Day, and July 3rd would be called Civic/Governors Day. And finally July 4th would be called National Day. Even though the Great Camp opened on June 29 with a supper followed by opening ceremonies with the arrival of more than 21,000 veterans. The official reunion events began on July 1 with Veteran’s Day events. And included was a speech by U. S. Postmaster General John Wanamaker. The July 2nd events included an address recommending a stronger military, a reading of the Gettysburg Address, and at night , an impromptu Union raid on the Confederate side of the Great Camp resulting in joint parades and camp fires following the “charge” Two units each from the North and South advancing 50 ft to flags at the Bloody Angle stone wall where they clasped hands and hugged. The July 3rd events consisted of more than 65 unit reunions and a Webb/Pickett flag ceremony at the Bloody Angle on the hour of Pickett’s Charge. The day ended with a fireworks display that would illuminate the Gettysburg sky. The fourth and final day, July 4th would culminate with the arrival of President Woodrow Wilson by special train travelling through the town and as he entered the Great Tent he would address the audience about national unity and departed the camp after the National Anthem. What followed the President was a Tribute to Our Heroic Dead followed by 5 minutes of silence. The Tribute began with a bugle salute over the camp while the Gettysburg bells tolled noon in the distance, followed by the remaining minutes of silence punctuated by periodic artillery firing in the distance. 10

Just as quickly as the veterans had arrived in Gettysburg, they now departed by July 5th,. The Army began the job of dismantling the tent city and returning the supplies and equipment to the various depots. By August 15 everything was back to normal, every vestige of the camp was gone.

It has been said that the reunion held in 1913 was to be the final healing of the wounds incurred during the war years. Subsequently the 75th reunion would be the last tribute to the aged participants. Now they are all gone. The last Union veteran died in 1956 and the last Confederate died in 1959. But the memory of the thousands of men who suffered in that great conflict will live on. The coming decades after the 1913 reunion would see dramatic changes in American life. Just 4 years after the reunion millions of American boys would be called to arms to fight the Germans in the Great War. The 1920’s and 1930’s would see times of excitement and despair. Every year, the ranks of the boys of the Blue and Gray would be thinned, but despite the Great Depression, the coming 75th anniversary of the Gettysburg battle stirred thoughts of another reunion. This reunion would pay tribute to the remaining old veterans who would probably never see each other again. Most now were in their 90’s and some were over 100.

Plans for a reunion were began in 1935 when Pennsylvania and Federal commissions were formed to coordinate plans. Paul Roy, editor of the Gettysburg Times was appointed executive secretary of the Pennsylvania Commission. In August 1935, Roy would go to Amarillo Texas to attend the 45th reunion of the United Confederate Veterans.

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At first there was little interest in the proposal for a reunion. The adjutant‐general and chief of staff of the United Confederate Veterans. Harry Rene Lee whose word generally set policy was against any reunion. Lee was reminded of the 1913 reunion and the pledge made then to meet again 25 years later. With the reminder of that commitment made by both sides the membership of the UCV relented and voted enthusiastically for the reunion. Harry Lee would not see the efforts for a a reunion as he would die on March 24, 1938. Opposition to the reunion was not one sided as the membership of the Grand Army of the Republic also disagreed to meet at Gettysburg. But Paul Roy was able to overcome those obstacles and the reunion was on. Planning went on at a fast pace in the fall of 1937. The Pennsylvania National Guard was directed to study the feasibility of housing more than 1000 veterans and attendants in existing buildings, or of constructing wooden barracks. Gettysburg College offered facilities but did not have enough space. Construction of barracks was ruled out as too costly. The planners decided on tents just they had in 1913.

More than 12,000 Civil War veterans were still alive in 1936, scattered in every state and even in foreign countries. More than 3,600 accepted invitations to attend, and it was estimated that 2, 000 actually would do so. Since most were over 90, each veteran was required to have an attendant with him. As opening day approached , the attendance kept on increasing until more than 4000 veterans and attendants were signed up. On 6/29/1938 opening day there were actually 1359 Union veterans 486 Confederate veterans plus attendants for a total of 3690.

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Taking in consideration of other personnel the total population was more than 6800. Construction of tent city began April 26, 1938 and would employ more than 900 workers. Each tent was provided with all the necessities of living for a three to five day period and mess tents, toilets, first aid stations and drinking fountains were placed conveniently around the camp. The “tent city” turned into a regular city for the four day event. Water , sewer and lighting facilities had to be installed and an army field hospital was erected on the college campus. A telephone and telegraph exchange was established, along with a full service post office. The Union and Confederate camps adjoined each other. Union streets were numbered and Confederate streets were lettered. Police and fire detachments were stationed inside the camp. Most of the major ceremonies were held at Gettysburg College’s Memorial Stadium were more than 10,000 temporary seats were constructed to supplement the stadium’s 2,794 permanent seats. Construction costs would exceed $300,000.00 paid by an appropriation from the Pennsylvania General Assembly and from a congressional appropriation. Aid to the veterans was supplied by Pennsylvania National Guard, boy scout troops, American Red Cross, Veterans Bureau and personnel from Gettysburg National Park. All the other monumental projects such as parking, buses, additional housing, programs and a host of other functions were handled in an efficient manner. All in all the veterans represented 47 states, District of Columbia and Canada. Only Rhode Island did not have any representatives. California, Texas, Pennsylvania and Ohio sent the most veterans. There were three veterans who came from Canada.

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With all the veterans in attendance on July 1, 1938, the 75th Anniversary Reunion of the Gettysburg Battle officially opened at 2 PM. The officials that attended the ceremony Governor George H. Earle of Pennsylvania, Harry H. Woodring, Secretary of War and Chairman of the Reunion Commission, Dr. Overton H. Mennett, commander‐in‐ chief of the Grand Army of the Republic and General John M. Claypool , commander‐in‐chief of the United Confederate Veterans. The second day’s events involved a parade through Gettysburg that was more than five miles long. The parade was reviewed by the veterans, guests and a large crowd. In attendance in the review were commanders of the Spanish War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion Jewish War Veterans and the Disabled American Veterans. It was truly a glorious day for all. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was there to unveil and dedicate The Eternal Light Peace Memorial located on the battlefield. All day long people streamed into town and a staggering total of more than 200,000 people would view the unveiling. A flame on top of the memorial was lighted as an eternal tribute to the soldiers who fought at Gettysburg and as a symbol of eternal peace in the country. The final ceremony took place on July 4th with two separate military demonstrations by several army units. Passing by the reviewing stand were units of cavalry, field artillery, tanks and infantry. Something that the veterans could not have imagined was to see a tactical show by various aircraft from Langley Field, Va. And Barksdale Field, La. The 75th Gettysburg would end with a retreat parade complete with a band concert. The veterans would go home for their last few years but would loads of memories We will never see anything like this again. In conclusion the last authenticated Union soldier would 14

live to be 109 years 5 months 21 days and his name was from New York and died in 1956. The last authenticated Southern soldier would live to be 104 years 8 days and his name was Pleasant Crump from and would die in 1951. Walt Williams for a long time was considered to be the last Confederate who died in 1959 but documentation does not exist to substantiate that claim