Andersonville National Historic Site to host 160th anniversary of Civil War, 80th anniversary of WW II, honor fallen heroes for Memorial Day

ANDERSONVILLE, Ga. – The Andersonville National Cemetery is gearing up to honor the more than 20 thousand soldiers buried here. And, this year is even more important with several milestone anniversaries.

Cemetery Chief of Interpretation, Susie Sernaker tells us the historical site is honoring the 160th anniversary of the Civil War and the 80th of World War II.

And, that anniversary of the Civil War is helping keep the memory of the thousands who lost their lives over 150 years earlier.

“…By this time, 160 years ago in the history of the (Andersonville) Prison already over 1,200 men had passed. And, by the time war was over, we would have 12,920 Union burials of prisoners of war, who had given their lives…” said Susie Sernaker, Chief of Interpretation, Andersonville National Historic Site.​

That’s why throughout the week leading up to Memorial Day, they’re going to be inviting local groups to plant flags at each stone.

“On Saturday, the 25th, we will have our decoration kind of day and that’s where groups from the community; such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, our partners will come out and place smaller flags at each of our roughly 22,000 burials out here,” said Sernaker.

With the national site though, this anniversary memorial will help give just a little more perspective this year.”

“Memorial Day, and especially here, it does give us the opportunity to commemorate. And it’s a very solemn occasion for us. And many of us feel that privilege of being able to honor the servicemen and women who are buried here,” said Sernaker.

With visitation set through Memorial Day weekend, the rangers here at Andersonville National Cemetery are encouraging everyone in the surrounding communities to come out and honor the fallen.

The Memorial Day ceremony will begin Sunday, May 26th at 2 pm.

Brian Roche reporting.

Copyright 2024 CBS 44 South Georgia. All rights reserved.