If you can get to the battlefield, and especially if you’ve never done this before, make a point to be there on Saturday, December 6.

Battlefield memorial illumination (US Park Service photo)

It’s the 20th Annual Memorial Illumination. It will be stunning. You’ll be awestruck, I promise.

Volunteers place over 23,000 candles on the battlefield; each representing a casualty from the bloodiest single day battle in American History. Driving tour begins at 6:00 p.m.on Route 34 east of Sharpsburg. In the event of high winds or heavy rain, this event will be rescheduled to December 13. Note: The visitor center will be open from 8:30 a.m through 3:00 p.m. Several of the park roads will not be available to tour after 3:00 p.m.

Also this year …

Pry House Field Hospital Museum-Living history, barn and house exhibits conducted before the Illumination. House closes at 5pm. Illumination gates open at 6 pm at the entrance on Route 34. For more information, call 301-695-1864 or visit us online at www.civilwarmed.org.

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