General Mead Birthday celebration 2026

The Philadelphia Civil War community gathered to celebrate the 210th birthday of General George Gordon Meade at Laurel Hill Cemetery on December 31st. Old Baldy members present included Walt Lafty, Calvin Kinsel, Dave Gilson, Paul Prentiss, Mike Bassett, Nancy and Russ Bowker, Mary Wible, Deitrich Preston, and former members John Voris and Kerry Bryan. Since there was a cold wind off the river, the ceremony was held at the Gatehouse. Also in attendance were members of the Meade Society, Legon Post 405, and several Union units from the area. Beck's Band performed period music, and all toasted the General on his birthday and wedding anniversary. President Calvin Kinsel and Past President Dr. Rich Jankowski ventured up to the grave to place the Old Baldy CWRT wreath on General Meade’s grave.