The 150th Gettysburg: Report from the Seminary

As some of you know, a few units from our organization have been in Gettysburg participating on the official 150th activities including the military camps on the grounds of the Lutheran Seminary. Here is a fantastic report from Capt. Keith MacGregor of the 142nd PA from the last couple of days.

Report for Sunday and Monday at Gettysburg:

Sunday we had church service under the trees in the beautiful Seminary campus. Sunday afternoon battle had the 142nd deployed as skirmishers. The Rebs eventually charged our line and we engaged in hand to hand combat. The crowds were appreciative and large all day through the camps. Band concerts continued throughout the day. Sunday night we ventured to Lee's Hdq, (now a micro brewery), and engaged the Rebs again, this time in toasts to the Republic, and those that have gone before. A fun night of camaraderie, toasts, and talking history with the patrons. We walked back to camp, and waited for 12:01 midnight July 1st the actual anniversary. Recognizing the moment we turned in.

This morning six cannon were placed on the battlefield, and continuously fired for 30 minutes, precisely at 8:00 AM to the time when the great battle began 150 years ago. Before the firing I was asked if I wanted to carry the 1st Corps flag for living historian portraying General Reynolds. I jumped at that chance. Did not have ear plugs (mistake) as I was standing directly behind the firing cannon.

At 9:30 the new Lutheran Seminary Museum had a ribbon cutting ceremony. Pennsylvania Gov. Corbett, and many dignitaries were there. The 142nd fielded the Color Guard for the event. It was quite an honor. The Wildcat Regimental Band of the 105th PVI provided a great band concert, full of period patriotic songs. The Battle Hymn of the Republic never sounded better.

At 3:00 PM we held a brief ceremony in camp around the 142nd flag, a moment of silence for the 200 plus soldiers from the 142nd who were killed, wounded, or captured on this very ground. At 4:30, the Sons of Confederate Veterans Color Guard marched with a (bag) piper with their colors, the length of Seminary Avenue. Marking the moment that the Seminary Ridge would belong to the Confederates. Broke camp at 5:00 PM. An amazing kick-off to the week long 150th commemoration. Tomorrow rest, Wednesday return to Gettysburg. 7 battles in 4 days await with 12,000 reenactors, 130 cannon, and 400 horses.