The 48th New York Garrisons Fort Pulaski

Date: November 1, 2012
Contact: Gloria Lee, [phone]

Fort Pulaski Commemorates Veterans Day

To commemorate Veterans Day, the National Park Service will waive all entrance fees throughout Veterans Day weekend. Savannah's national park - Fort Pulaski National Monument - will be fee free from Saturday, November 10 to Monday, November 12, 2012.

Fort Pulaski National Monument will honor our nation's veterans with a full schedule of special activities in the historic fort. The 48th New York Infantry Regiment will recreate many aspects of daily life at a major Civil War-era post. A variety of programs will be offered throughout the weekend allowing visitors to learn about military inspections, mail calls, bayonet drills, barracks life, and infantry drills. A special military salute to veterans will be offered at 4:00 PM on Saturday, November 10.

The 48th New York Infantry was stationed at Fort Pulaski from June 1862 through May 1863. During their year-long stay, the unit remained vigilant, always prepared for a Confederate counter attack, an attack that never materialized. Their stay was documented in a series of early photographs that are displayed in exhibits throughout the park.

"The everyday life of the Civil War soldier has always been fascinating to the American public," commented Superintendent Randy Wester. "This weekend, we'll bring that subject to life as a salute to the veterans of all conflicts who have served our country."

The schedule for the weekend of Veterans Day is as follows:

Saturday, November 10, 2012
9:00  Inspect Guard
10:00  Company Drill
11:00   Knapsack Inspection
12:00   Guided Fort Tour
1:00     Quartermaster and Mail Call
2:00     Musket Demonstration
3:00     Bayonet Drill
4:00     Salute to Veteran's Day

Sunday, November 11, 2012
8:30     Mount Guard
9:00     Clean Barracks
10:00   Barracks Inspection
11:00   Guided Fort Tour
12:00   Baseball
1:00     The 48th New York at Fort Pulaski.
2:00     March out of Fort
3:00     Guided Fort Tour

Monday, November 12, 2012
10:30  Guided Fort Tour
12:00   Musket Demonstration
1:00   Guided Fort Tour
1:00   Musket Demonstration
3:00  Guided Fort Tour

Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah. For more information, please visit the website of Fort Pulaski National Monument at www.nps.gov/fopu or call [phone]. You can also follow the park on Twitter or like the official Fort Pulaski National Monument Facebook page.

- NPS -