Grand Old Partisan: the Memorial Day celebration at Logan Circle in Washington, DC

May 31, 2011

the Memorial Day celebration at Logan Circle in Washington, DC

Yesterday, I attended the Memorial Day ceremony at Logan Circle in Washington, DC. Among the headliners were two Civil War re-enactors, seen here portraying soldiers of the Union Army's famous 54th Massachusetts Infantry. The older gentleman was an extra in the movie Glory.

Here I am with a re-enactor of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, sweltering in his authentic woolen uniform. BTW, the 54th and 55th regiments of African-American soldiers were established by the Republican governor of Massachusetts, John Andrew.

Here I am with a re-enactor portraying Elizabeth Keckley, the African-American seamstress who was Mary Lincoln's best friend. Keynote speaker at the event was Frank Smith, Executive Director of the African American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation and Museum, who expounded on the meaning of Memorial Day.

Here, historian Gary Ecelbarger addresses the crowd. He praised John Logan, for whom Logan Circle was named. Logan's career took him from U.S. Representative to Union Army general, to U.S. Senator, to Republican vice presidential nominee. As leader of a Union Army veteran's organization, he established Memorial Day.

Here, wreaths and flowers are placed at the statue of John Logan. The area had originally been called Iowa Circle, but the statue had people calling it Logan Circle. Eventually, the name change was made official. Senator Logan (R-IL) was a civil rights activist. Shortly before his death, several thousand African-Americans serenaded him while he stood on the balcony of his house [at lower left].

After the ceremony, attendees went to the nearby Mary McLeod Bethune Council House, where they were treated to a jazz duo and snacks. A good time was had by all.

Michael Zak is a popular speaker to Republican organizations around the country. Back to Basics for the Republican Party is his acclaimed history of the GOP, cited by Clarence Thomas in a Supreme Court decision. He is also the author of the 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar. His Grand Old Partisan website celebrates more than fifteen decades of Republican heroes and heroics. See www.grandoldpartisan.com for more information.

Posted at 03:03 PM | Permalink

Technorati Tags: 54th Massachusetts Infantry, African American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation and Museum, Civil War, Elizabeth Keckley, Frank Smith, Gary Ecelbarger, Glory, GOP, Grand Old Partisan, Grand Old Party, Iowa Circle, John Andrew, John Logan, Logan Circle, Mary McLeod Bethune Council House, Memorial Day, Michael Zak, Republican Party

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Grand Old Partisan

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