Union Flags at Alsace Lutheran Cemetery

From the Feb. 9, 2011, Reading (Pa) Eagle.

A year ago, 25 Betsy Ross flags were put on the graves of the 25 Revolutionary War veterans buried at the Alsace Lutheran Cemetery.

Recently Barry L. Kauffman, the superintendent of the cemetery and Neil Scheidt paid $4 each for 175 33-star variety ones flown at the time of Fort Sumter for the 154 Union soldiers buried there.

One was killed in action, five died of disease, one died in a train wreck after a battle and the rest lived to old age. It is believed that between eight and ten were wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Most were members of the Reading First Defenders (became part of the 48th Pennsylvania Volunteers) and the Ringgold Light Artillery, both units were among the first to answer Lincoln's call for volunteers in April 1861. They signed up for three months and most reenlisted.

One Little Part of History. Not Forgotten. --Old B-R'er