Photo: NPS Saratoga National Historical Park
On September 17th, 2009, the young unknown Civil War soldier from New York, discovered by a visitor at Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland, was returned home and buried at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, New York.
The National Park Service (NPS) tells us "this solemn, emotional, history-making event was attended by several hundred people, including the motorcycle-riding Patriot Guard, a Civil War re-enactors honor guard, a modern military honor guard, bagpipers, numerous veterans, National Park Service personnel, and the entire 8th grade of a local middle school."
His final journey began this past Tuesday. He lay in state at the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs, NY overnight.
"He was then brought to the Saratoga National Cemetery by a funeral procession worthy of a slain hero."
"Cursum perficio -- his journey is ended."
Photo top right: The Civil War soldier returning home. Civil War re-enactors remove his flag-draped casket from a period hearse. Credit: Saratoga National Historical Park.
Background to this story:
The remains of this unknown soldier were discovered by an Antietam Battlefield visitor in late October, 2008. After a detailed archeological evaluation, the remains and recovered artifacts were sent to the Smithsonian Institution for further evaluation. During this period it was confirmed that the young man was between 17 and 19 years of age, and fought with a New York Unit. He was buried in the Cornfield portion of the battlefield within days of the fight and his remains were not recovered during the reburial process in 1866. -- NPS
Comments
Great story. I love it when the right thing can finally be done.
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