Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield presents the 10th Annual Memorial Illumination Ceremony, featuring over 2,539 luminaries, representing those killed, wounded, or missing at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, August 10, 1861. Admission is FREE!
WHEN: Saturday, December 14, 2013.
WHERE: Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Republic, Missouri. Directions: Travel west on the James River Freeway (Hwy 60) to exit Hwy M. Go south on M for about ¾ mile to Wilson’s Creek Blvd. (Hwy ZZ). Turn south on Wilson’s Creek Blvd., go one mile to Farm Rd 182. Then, turn east on Farm Rd 182 and the first right is the entrance to the park.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
4:30 pm Opening Ceremony at the Visitor’s Center
5:00 pm Volunteer Procession through Illumination
5:15 pm Memorial Illumination Tour Opens to Public
Over 2,000 people expected to tour Illumination from 5:15 pm to 9:30 pm
EVENT DETAILS: Over one hundred volunteers, including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation members, Ozark Civil War Roundtable members, and other community organizations will participate in this event, assembling the luminaries and distributing them along the five-mile tour road through the park.
A luminary is a paper bag filled with sand and a lighted candle. A special candle will be utilized this year to honor our park volunteers.
Living history volunteers, carolers, and re-enactors at the Ray House will bring the past to life. Visitors are encouraged to tour the Ray House and learn about the hardships faced by local families during the Civil War. Music, refreshments, and information will be provided at the visitor center.
Vehicles will use parking lights only for the five-mile driving tour through the National Battlefield, with stops at the Visitor Center and the Ray House. There are no restrooms along the tour route.
