Civil War Veteran John E. Waggle Honored in Memorial Day Ceremony

Memorial Day Ceremonies in Irwin, Pennsylvania

• 🇺🇸 Two ceremonies were held at Irwin's Union Cemetery for Memorial Day, honoring those who served in the US military.
• 🇺🇸 The first was a typical Memorial Day service with an honor guard, paying tribute to all veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Rededication of John E. Waggle's Grave

• 🏅 A second, smaller service focused on the rededication of the grave of John E. Waggle, the last living Union veteran in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
• 🏅 Waggle, who died in 1946 at the age of 99, served at the end of the Civil War and later worked as a tax collector in Irwin.
• 🏅 The ceremony, held nearly 79 years after his passing, was organized by the Sons of Union Veterans.

Honoring a Lasting Legacy

• 🤝 The Sons of Union Veterans are conducting similar ceremonies across the United States to honor the last living Union veteran in each county, aiming to keep their memories alive.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Some of Waggle's family members, many of whom were unaware of his Civil War service, were contacted and attended the ceremony.

Mood and Takeaways

• 😢 The initial ceremony had a somber mood with tears shed, reflecting the solemnity of Memorial Day.
• 🎉 The rededication ceremony for Waggle, however, was described as one of jubilation, celebrating his life and service.
• 💖 A significant takeaway from both events was the sense of pride, love, and connection to American history and heritage.