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Contact: Ann Blumenschine, 804-732-3531, ext. 203
On Saturday, November 12, 2022, Petersburg National Battlefield will honor veterans past and present by literally shedding light on the gravesites of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country. The Annual Luminary program will take place at Poplar Grove National Cemetery. The event begins at 5:30 pm and ends at 8:00 pm.
If you go
Due to space limitations, no parking will be allowed at Poplar Grove National Cemetery. Park staff, volunteers, and visitors must park at Richard Bland College, located off Johnson Road in South Prince George, where a free shuttle will provide transportation to and from the cemetery between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Face masks may be required while onboard the bus if the COVID-19 community level is high. For more information, please call (804) 732-3531, ext. 203.
Shuttle buses will be available to transport volunteers from Richard Bland College to the cemetery beginning at 4:00 pm. If you are interested in volunteering, please get in touch with pete_vip@nps.gov.
This powerful evening program includes each of Poplar Grove’s 6200 graves marked with a luminary candle, "Taps" being played, and selected stories of those who laid down their lives in defense of this country. The luminary event would not be possible without the assistance of personnel from Fort Lee, local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, local homeschool students and students from Hopewell and Dinwiddie Public Schools, Richard Bland College, Petersburg Battlefields Foundation, and National Park Service volunteers. The National Park Service would like to thank all those who donate their time and efforts to provide public programs.
About Poplar Grove National Cemetery
Poplar Grove National Cemetery was established in 1866. Prior to the Civil War, the land where the cemetery now exists belonged to Reverend Thomas B. Flowers. During the Civil War, the future cemetery grounds were used as a campground by the 50th New York Engineers during the Siege of Petersburg. Today, close to 6,200 soldiers are buried in the cemetery; however, only 2,139 have been positively identified.
Petersburg National Battlefield was created to commemorate the campaign, siege, and defense of Petersburg, Virginia, in 1864 and 1865. The park staff is committed to preserving and protecting the park's historical, cultural, and natural resources to provide interpretation, education, and enjoyment for the visitors.
Last updated: October 16, 2022