A candlelight march to remember the thousands of Civil War dead buried at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn took place Saturday as part of a special commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War.
Roughly 4,600 Civil War veterans are buried at Greenwood, enlisted men and generals alike. Before the march, re-enacters drilled, told stories of the war to visitors, and mourned their dead.
After it grew dark, hundreds of visitors walked behind the cavalry along the winding roads. Candles in small white bags were placed in front of all 4,600 Civil War veteran graves. At numerous stops along the way, musicians played or choirs sang songs from Civil War days.
Candles before the graves of the Civil War dead.Green-Wood did an amazing job with this event. Strangers spoke to each other on the subway ride home about how moving the walk was, and how the Civil War doesn't seem like so long ago any more.
If you visit Green-Wood, stop by the exhibition that accompanied the Memorial Day weekend events -- “Honoring Their Sacrifice” -- in the Historic Chapel, running through June 12.
Photos by MK Metz
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Remembering heroes of the war can be very moving, especially for the people who have lost loved ones to the war. I hope this tradition lasts despite the passing of time.
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