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General George Thomas Monument Lot Re-Dedication Ceremony
July 31, 2021 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
DATE: JULY 31ST, 2021:
TIME: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
General George Thomas Ceremony Monument Lot Re-Dedication @ General George Thomas Monument at Oakwood Cemetery, Troy, NY.
Over a nine-year effort the Col. George L. Willard Camp # 154, Department of New York, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, along with Oakwood Cemetery Association and the Friend of Oakwood Cemetery in Troy, jointly have reconstructed the ornamental cast-iron fence and replaced the broken and stolen finials at the General Thomas gravesite. Money was raised to remove a large Beech tree that towered dangerously over the Kellogg Family Plot and was responsible for destroying portions of the fence and headstones within the plot. Funds were also obtained to raise the descriptive bronze tablet of General Thomas off the ground.
On July 31st (the anniversary of Thomas’s birth in 1816) there will be a re-dedication of the gravesite by the Willard Camp, Cemetery Association, and Friends of Oakwood Cemetery. Time 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
General Thomas was born in Southampton County, Virginia a southerner, who remained loyal to the Union. A graduate of West Point, and veteran of the Mexican War, Thomas played a prominent role and was a principal commander in the Western Theater during the war. His defensive stand during the Battle of Chickamauga earned him the sobriquet “The Rock of Chickamauga”. Truly, General George H. Thomas was a loyal Patriot and dedicated American.
You are invited to participate in the rededication of the site and the honoring of the service of Major General George H. Thomas
On Saturday morning those in attendance will form and proceed to the Kellogg Family Plot for the rededication of the site, with a reception to follow.
A Civil War tour of the Cemetery and its rich Civil War history will also be given after the reception.
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR GEN. THOMAS COMMEMORATIVE RIBBON
PROGRAM
Guests Assemble Music by the Ragtime Windjammers
Greetings Thomas Maggs, Board, Chair, Oakwood Cemetery and member of Col. George L. Willard Camp #154, Department of New York, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
Welcome Michael P. Barrett, Executive Director, Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway, MC of today’s program
Invocation Reverend Isaacs
Posting of the Colors Led by the Willard Camp
Pledge of Allegiance
National Anthem
Battle Hymn of the Republic (2 stanzas) Nicole Osterhout, accompanied by Ragtime Windjammers
About the Rehabilitation Project Dave Dziewulski
The Legend of General George Thomas, Rock of Chickamauga, Michael Barrett
Laying of Laurel Wreath at the Grave of General Thomas
Musket Salute Led by the Willard Camp and the 125th NY Regimental Association
Taps Led by Willard Camp
Announcement of Retirement of the Colors, Michael Barrett
Closing Michael Barrett
Closing Prayer Reverend Isaacs
Refreshments in the Tent Provided by Stewarts
If you are interested in attending or have any questions concerning this event, contact me at restraight1@gmail.com or cell phone (518) 344-7773.
NOTE: For those traveling and or who would like to spend the weekend Civil War Camping, an area with amenities of, firewood, straw, water, and restrooms will be provided and be available on Friday afternoon July 30th thru Sunday the 1st of August on the grounds of Oakwood Cemetery.
For more information visit Oakwood Cemetery’s Website at: https://www.oakwoodcemetery.org/events-list/re-dedication-of-the-general-george-thomas-grave-site