Last Known GAR Burial and Funeral

Up at 4:00 a.m. today for the drive up to Memphis, Mo. for the Funeral of Cpl. Byrne. My friends and I made history today. We were not reenacting today, but rather, we were part of the closing chapter of the Civil War. The burial today could very well be the last GAR Burial and Funeral. The thought of it made the hair stand up on my neck.

During the drive my thoughts were with the assembled family. They came from all corners of the country. My thoughts also drifted to the two other brothers. A tear came to my eye when I thought of them, united again after 85 years. I could just see them embracing their brother and saying, 'Welcome home"!

This link is to a print media source in Quincy, Ill who covered Friday nights events.

A few pictures follow; Other pictures are located at moirishbrigade, a yahoo group.