The Gettysburg Independent Blues 165th Anniversary Event

The Gettysburg Independent Blues will commemorate the 165th anniversary of the unit’s volunteer enlistment for federal service in the Union Army during the Civil War on Saturday, April 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the historic G.A.R. Hall, 53 East Middle Street in Gettysburg. Doors open at 10:00 a.m.

The Gettysburg Independent Blues were among the first local militia units to answer President Abraham Lincoln’s call for volunteers in April 1861. Many members later served in the 87th Pennsylvania Volunteers and participated in several major Civil War campaigns.

Following the war, veterans of the unit became active members of Gettysburg’s Grand Army of the Republic Post 9. Today, the Gettysburg Independent Blues continues as part of the Sons of Veterans Reserve, the ceremonial and uniformed component of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.