"Gold Star Mother" Monument and Ceremony at the American Civil War Museum

The American Civil War Museum Complex will host the New Hampshire Gold Star Mothers Monument Association and sculptor Andrew Chernak for a ceremony honoring our Nation’s Gold Star Mothers. On August 14, at 1:00 pm, the public is invited to a special unveiling and service honoring the Gold Star Mother statue that is in transit to permanently reside in New Hampshire. This is the only time the monument will be on display in Pennsylvania. 

 

Numerous civic and social groups from the community will be involved in the ceremony, including Gettysburg’s own VFW Post 15, and the Allied Veterans Council of Adams County. Jim Getty, nationally renowned Lincoln actor and historian, will read the famous letter President Abraham Lincoln wrote to Mrs. Bixby, a Civil War “Gold Star Mother”. In addition, many Gold Star Mothers will be in attendance at the ceremony. Yellow roses will be given to each Gold Star Mother in attendance. 

 

The keynote speaker for the event is Major General Wesley Craig (USA Ret.). MG Craig has an extensive military career including serving as Squadron Commander of 1^stSquadron, 104^th Armored Cavalry, Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of the 56^th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, and Commanding General of the 28^th Infantry Division. During his time as Commanding General of the 28^th Infantry, he personally commanded 14,000 troops from eight nations at the multi national training mission in Egypt known as “Bright Star”. Following the ceremony, the monument will travel to New Hampshire, escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders. 

 

The event will be held on the grounds of the American Civil War Museum Complex located at 297 Steinwehr Avenue, Gettysburg, PA, 17325. For more details about the event, contact sculptor Andrew Chernak at alc199@comcast.net or the American Civil War Museum at 717-334-6245.