It’s Been 100 Years Since The Great Reunion

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought July 1-3, 1863, was one of the most important battles of the U.S. Civil War. When it was all said and done, the Union army had successfully repelled a series of attacks from the Confederates.

Fifty years later, in 1913, soldiers from both sides gathered at a “Great Reunion” as a symbol of togetherness and brotherhood. It was at this Great Reunion that nearly 400 Scouts from Pennsylvania, plus more from Washington, D.C., New Jersey and Maryland came together to help the veterans, most of whom were now elderly.

More than 50,000 veterans attended the Reunion, and most needed help getting around the 280-acre campsite. The veterans arrived by train, and the Scouts met them at the platform, carried their luggage, gave them directions and provided assistance — including first aid due to the intense heat — wherever needed.

Check out the pictures of the Scouts from 1913 below, along with a moving video about the event itself.