22nd Annual Commemoration of Antietam

> RESERVATIONS: You must reserve (not only RSVP) for this event by emailing me directly (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com), not via Meetup message. Final details about the meeting time and place will be emailed to you a few days before the event. Dinner reservations require a deposit (see below). <
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Join us for our 22nd Annual Commemoration of Antietam, one of the Civil War’s seminal battles. We will start with an afternoon hike that winds around Antietam National Battlefield, followed by an evening drive through the annual Memorial Illumination. This is a great way to learn about Civil War history. All are welcome, including kids and leashed dogs.

Some past commemorations: www.bit.ly/MWS-Ant.

THE HIKE
The hike is a moderately difficult 11 miles (2.5 blisters) over mixed surfaces (roads, farms, woods) and rolling hills on one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields. Shorter options are available. Highlights of the hike include Antietam National Cemetery, the Visitor Center, and Antietam Creek, as well as the Dunker Church, West Woods, the Cornfield, North Woods, East Woods, Mumma Farm, the Sunken Road, and Burnside Bridge—all infamous as sites of brutal fighting. The route is mostly exposed. Bring a bag lunch and water. Dress appropriately for the weather.

THE ILLUMINATION
The Memorial Illumination commemorates this bloodiest single-day battle in American history with 23,000 candles representing that day's casualties. Our drive through the Illumination will be from about 6 to 7 PM. During the hike, you'll see the many children volunteers preparing the candles, making the Illumination all the more moving and impressive.

THE DINNER
After the Illumination, there will be an optional dinner (7:30) at Tapia’s on Main in Middletown. Dinner participation requires a $15/person, non-refundable deposit that goes toward your dinner cost (i.e., you'll get it back at dinner). If the event is canceled, you will be reimbursed. Reservation spots will be provided to the first 15 that pay the deposit electronically (Zelle, Paypal, Venmo), but email me (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) first to make sure there is room.

SIERRA CLUB
You may join the Sierra Club by clicking the "JOIN" button at the top of the Virginia Chapter’s website. Membership is not required for participation.

Mike