I talked my way into the show for the opening
ceremonies at the Luminary.
To this day, the Antietam Luminary holds as the most impressive
thing I've ever witnessed. Early in the day, volunteers gather
at the battlefield and spread out across the hills to light luminary
candles. Meanwhile, people in cars gather on the roads in the area.
As the sun sets, there is a ceremony near the Visitors Center with a
few politicians and others speaking. As soon as the ceremony
is complete, the Volunteers get in their cars and drive the route on
the roads within the battlefield. The people that have been
waiting much of the day follow the volunteers. Everyone drives
with their headlights off to get the full effect of the luminaries
spread upon the battlefield. Row after row. Hill after
hill. Turn after turn. One candle lit for each of the
22,726 killed or wounded during the Battle of Antietam.
September 17, 1862, the single bloodiest day in American history.
