Debby, official younger sister of NewMexiKen, reports from her new home (since summer) near Antietam Battlefield, site of the greatest one-day loss ever of American fighting men.
Saturday night we went to the 18th Memorial Illumination at Antietam where they light a candle for every soldier who was killed, wounded, or went missing in battle there. They had over 23,000 luminaries lining the roadways and fields. It was quite a sight to behold—spread over more than 4 miles (which took an hour to drive) with row after row after row of glowing paper bags about as far apart as a man is tall. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
Debby wasn’t able to take any photographs, but she sent two links. This site has an nice selection of photos (one of which you see above — click it for a larger version). The National Park Service has details and some photos as well.