Dedication Ceremony for the 154th NY Monument

May 26, 1996

The154th New York's monumnet on the Chncellorsville battlefield was dedicated on May 26th, 1996. The dedication ceremony began at 5. PM, the approximate time of Jackson's attack was unleashed on the Eleventh Corps on May 2, 1863. A light rain was falling when the proceedings began; it ceased by the time the monument was unveiled. Descendants and friends attending the ceremony gathered in the field where the 154th New York Fought to hear the main address.

Opening Prayer - by the Reverend Dennis Hancock, Great-Great-Great-Grandnephew of Private Harvey Earl, Company H

Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: Help us to be mindful on the Memorial Day weekend of those who fought here, and at other battlefields like this one. Help us to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. And now we ask that you would bless these proceedings today as we dedicate this monument to the 154th New York Volunteers. Amen.

Speech by Kenneth C. Heller - Great-Grandnephew of Private Almon Deforest Reed, Company G


Speech by Phil Palen - Gowanda Historical Society, Gowanda, New York

Main Address by Mark H. Dunkleman - Great-Grandson of Corp. John Langhans, Company H and Regimental Historian

Unveiling of the Monument

The monument was unveiled by descendants of members of the regiment who were casulties in the battle: Robert Merril Sherwood, great-great-grandson, Scott Sherwood, great-great-great-great-grandson, and Carolyn Schuyler, great-great-great-grandaughter of Private Barzilla Merrill of Company K, who was killed; and Matt Parsons, great-grandson of Corporal James P. Skiff of Company F, who was captured.

Placing of Wreaths

Wreaths were placed by the two youngest descendants in attendence, both eleven-year-olds: Laura E. Parsons, great-great-granddaughter of Corporal James P. Skiff of Company F; and Catherine A. Street, great-great-great-granddaughter of Corporal John Langhans of Compnay H.

Placing of Flag

A national flag was placed by the first descendant to arrive for the ceremony: Leonard Cullen, great-grandson of Private Joseph Cullen of Company B.

Moment of Silence in Memory of the Regiment

Benediction - by Reverend Dennis Hancock

The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us: that he may incline out hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgements, which he commanded our fathers.

I Kings 8:57-58


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