5/20/18

Memorial Day is approaching


The corporal here. Every year since I started reenacting I have participated in the Mishawaka, Indiana Memorial Day ceremonies and parade. My home unit has been participating for many more years than that. As the date is fast approaching I thought I would share some pictures and explain briefly the ceremony. The ceremony begins at 8 AM at Battell Park in Mishawaka.

Cannon placed to fire over the rivet
Ceremony begins with cannon salute
All soldiers present fall in for ceremonies.  USA or CSA troops are all together for this.
Dignitaries including the Mishawaka mayor, the head of the local VFW,  chaplains, high school students and Boy Scouts speak.

Among the speeches given are the reciting of General Logan's orders establishing Memorial Day after the Civil War, the poem of the Unknown Soldier, and the Gettysburg Address. 

Ladies auxiliary laying wreath at base of soldiers monument.
VFW Rifle team

21 Gun Salute 

Taps is played

After taps is played, the primary ceremony is concluded. We then rig for travel and head to our starting position for the parade.

These next pictures I will not individually caption.  We March through the parade, firing up to approximately  20 rounds,  perhaps more. Reloading is done on the march. Parade length I do not know.