| The rededication of the monument to the Pennsylvania 54th Volunteer Infantry and wreath laying ceremony were held on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at the New Market Battlefield where the storied Field of Lost Shoes took place. The Elizabeth Van Lew Detached Tent (chapter) 1, of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War,1861-1865 (DUVCW), had awarded a grant to the Virginia Museum of the Civil War to restore the monument’s finials and added an ADA-compliant pathway for accessibility to the monument. Some improvements are still in process. The rededication took place on the same date as the original day of the battle in 1864. Pictured leading the wreath laying procession are (l to r): President Karen Lyddane of the Elizabeth Van Lew Detached Tent 1, and Field Commander Captain Chris Baran of Company A, 54th Pennsylvania re-enactors, who are followed by descendants of the original 54th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. The second attached photo is of the salutary volley by the Company A of the 54th Pennsylvania re-enactors which closed the ceremony. “We are pleased we could assist in the restoration of the Pennsylvania Monument,” said Tent President Karen Lyddane, “and we look forward to the final completion.” At the ceremony also Ms. Lyddane represented the 12th West Virginia Regiment, and Chaplain Jan Speare represented the 1st West Virginia which both had fought with the 54th in the battle. Membership in the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-1865, is open to any woman who can prove direct descent from a Union veteran of the Civil War. For more information please visit DUVCW.org. |    |
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