![]() A local paper said, “The flag will wave again over the men who made the gallant and heroic charge into the Dunker Church woods … The flag has been seen by just a few of the boys since the battle and the sight of it will revive many of the recollections and emotions of that exciting and strenuous day.” The monument was unveiled by George’s sister, Miss Annie Simpson. The Flag he carried on the morning of the battle was brought back for the dedication. His death was instant, his arms, after the battle, retained the exact position that they were in as he held the colors when he was struck by the bullet.”Ī monument to the 125th was dedicated 42 years later with likeness of George Simpson on top. “The color bearer was lying on his left side, with his right arm around the flag and staff. His Captain said “He fell, his death was instantaneous…covering the flag with his body and staining it with his life blood oozing from his right temple.” The flag was picked up by Private Eugene Boblitz who was wounded in the right ankle and hip – threw the flag forward and it was saved by Sgt Greenland. As the 125th charged past the Dunker Church. On soldier remembered, “It was a dreadful struggle and we were thrust into the very furnace of battle.” 229 were killed and wounded in about 20 minutes. ![]() He enlisted in the 125th Pennsylvania Infantry and on the morning of September 17th he carried the flag for the regiment’s as they charged past the Dunker Church and into the West Woods. He was 22 year old farmer from Huntington County, Pennsylvania. When you visit Antietam National Cemetery Cemetery, you must always remember that every stone represents the heart, the soul, and the sacrifice of an American serviceman or women who dedicated themselves to the service of their country. From Sharpsburg to Frostburg, France to the Philippines, Germany to China, Italy to Okinawa it is the story of 5,000 American service men and women who served across the globe and now rest here in peace. These eleven acres framed by stone and iron, represent a global story of sacrifice for freedom and equality. I am standing on the most sacred ground at Antietam National Battlefield, and the first land preserved at your park. Ever since 1868, this day of remembrance has been commemorated across the country and in 1971 Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday. ![]() Logan, head of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of United States veterans of the Civil War, established the day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war while serving in the U.S. On May 5, 1868, three years after the Civil War ended, Major General John A. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. In a wonderful tradition, the Sharpsburg Elementary School 5 th grade class will place 5,000 flags at the National Cemetery, one for every headstone, on May 23, in preparation for the holiday. and the annual Memorial Day Parade starting at 2:00 p.m. The town of Sharpsburg will commemorate Memorial Day on Saturday, May 25, with a ceremony on the town square at 11 a.m. Master Sergeant Geoff Blankenship and Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Ron Glazer of the 167 th Airlift Wing, Martinsburg, WV, will perform Taps. The program will include music from the Hagerstown Choral Arts and a cannon salute from Antietam National Battlefield's volunteer group, Battery B, 4 th U.S. The program will take place at Antietam National Cemetery, located on Rt. ![]() The National Park Service will commemorate Memorial Day at Antietam National Battlefield on May 27 at 11 a.m. Antietam National Battlefield will commemorate Memorial Day on Monday, May 27, 2024 ![]()
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