The following is a report from Nick Korolev on this year's Gettysburg Remembrance Day: Remembrance Day in Gettysburg, PA gives all reenactors and living historians a time and place to gather to officially honor those who gave their last full measure for what they believed in. This year the weather could not have been better with a fall briskness in the air. There were many events during the day and many units carried out their own ceremonies in the cemetery and on parts of the battlefield to honor the fallen and regiments who fought there. The town was crowded despite the last throes of the economic storm we have all weathered together, though there seemed to not be quite as many in the parade as last year. I arrived with my friends Richard "Byrdie" Byrd, Josh Ours and Cameron Mallow. Cameron went on to stay at his aunt's house and the rest of us had rooms at the Eisenhower. Joe Schafer of the Federal General's Corps was my roommate. He portrays Gen. John Buford. While Byrdie and Josh attended a meeting of the new Federal Volunteer Brigade's cavalry regiment that evening, Joe and I in our civilian clothes took a walk in town and listened to two military bands join in giving a concert down near the Dobin House. On the way back to the truck we passed some Confederate officers who had been imbibing a bit too much at a local establishment, one who looked like he was walking across a ships deck during a storm. The incident left us wondering if he would be making the parade the next day. On Saturday, since Gen. Averell was not at Gettysburg, I just donned my cavalry second lieutenant's coat I used at Cedar Creek this year and portrayed Buford's aid for the day after I attended the Sons' Veteran Reserve breakfast. We joined other members of the Federal Generals Corps by the Dobin House to watch the parade. The parade started about twenty minutes late, which may have been because the local police seemed to be having minor problems with traffic control on the route. Inconsiderate drivers kept trying to sneak through at the last minute. Overall, the parade was enjoyable with soul stirring marches of the time. One would have to have a heart of stone not to be affected by roll of drums, brass and fifes as the notes echoed down the street to the tramp of marching feet as troops of both sides passed. Before it was over, Joe and I and the rest of the members of the Federal Generals Corps had to march quickly down the sidewalk dodging spectators to make it to the High Watermark to take part in the Hands Across the Wall ceremony. After it was over we went our separate ways temporarily, Joe to a ball and myself to join Byrdie, Josh and Cameron at a dinner with the 1st Cavalry Regiment of the Federal Volunteer Brigade at O'Rourk's. The food was great as was the company. Then it was back to the Eisenhower where Joe and I relaxed on the balcony of our room over the indoor pool before retiring for the evening. Sunday we all said good bye to Joe at check out and went off to the pancake breakfast at the GAR. Then we spent some time getting a little Christmas shopping done in town before lunch with friends from the 1st Cavalry Regiment and heading out to the battlefield for a few stops and finally the long drive back to West Virginia. It was a great experience and we all hope to make it again next year. Nick Korolev
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