Army of the Ohio Gettysburg info

Fellow Members,

Remembrance Day activities for the Army of the Ohio will begin at the 5th OVI monument at 9:30 AM. The monument is located just off the loop road between Culp's Hill and Spangler's Spring. There are many ways to get there, but if you take Slocum Ave off Route 97 and head for Auto Tour Stop 13 you will be close. Those of us staying together in hotels can convoy.

Following the 5th OVI ceremony, we will proceed to the Ohio monument at the National Cemetery. We will try to park at the Visitor's Center, but there is a lot of construction going on and we may have to park elsewhere and walk a bit. Carpooling is advised. There is a dedication ceremony scheduled in the cemetery until 10:30, and our permit expires at 11, so we have a narrow window to get in and out. We will decide on final directions and plans at the 5th OVI monument.

Please be advised that our permits specify NO WEAPONS. The Park has absolutely no sense of humor about this, and I understand that people have been fined $50 for possession of a single percussion cap. If you are marching in the parade, and must bring your weapon in your car, please leave it locked inside out of sight. To avoid any potential problems please DO NOT WEAR YOUR LEATHERS, OR SWORDS. White gloves and sashes are appropriate if you wish to wear them.

Kay and I will be bringing bio-degradable wreaths, incorporating Ohio bittersweet and buckeyes, for each ceremony. Other wreaths and floral tributes are welcome. I plan to prepare some brief remarks for each ceremony, and am relying on Capt Smith for the main message at the 5th's monument. Other appropriate sentiments are welcome.

For those staying at the Sleep Inn in Emmitsburg, the address and phone number are:

501 Silo Hill Pkwy
Emmitsburg, MD
(800) 408-4748

It's located just off Route 15, 9 miles south of Gettysburg. You can see the sign from the highway.

We have group reservations for 17 people at the Emmitsburg Carriage House Inn, on Seton Ave in Emmitsburg, at 6:30 PM Saturday. Please contact Kay if you are unable to attend. The Seton Ave exit is off Route 15 -- go into Emmitsburg, through a light and the Inn is on the right near Pizza Hut. Period dress is at your discretion.

Kay and I hope to see many of you there Friday night and Saturday!

Thanks,

Jim Ruley
Commanding, Army of the Ohio