The Historical Association of Tobyhanna Township (HATT) will lead a Historical Excursion to Arlington National Cemetery on Monday and Tuesday, May 12 and 13, 2014.
From HATT: “In 1864 at age 20, William Henry Christman left his family and the community of Tobyhanna Township to fight for his country in the Civil War. As it was for so many, he died in service, and less than two months after he enlisted, on May 11, 1864.
At the same time, a new military cemetery was being established in the Washington, D.C. area: Arlington National Cemetery. On May 13, 1864, Pvt. William Henry Christman of Tobyhanna Township was the first soldier to be buried at this now famous hallowed ground.
Since this is the 150th year of Arlington National Cemetery, our nation is honoring this treasure and those who rest there with a month-long national commemoration. The events begin on May 13 with a special wreath-laying ceremony at Pvt. Christman’s gravesite. Dignitaries representing our nation are expected to be in attendance.”
The two-day excursion is open to all HATT and community members. The package includes luxury coach transportation, an extensive tour of the Mount Vernon Historic Site, dinner on Monday night, a guided bus tour of Washington D.C. monuments under the lights, a one-night hotel stay, breakfast on Tuesday, the Wreath Ceremony at Pvt. Christman’s grave, a historic tour of Arlington National Cemetery and all gratuities and taxes.
The price per person for a double-occupancy hotel room is $245. One, three and four-person room rates are available. Reservations are required by Friday, April 4. For additional information, call (570) 646-7235 or e-mail hatthistory@msn.com. Registration forms and fact sheets are available at www.tobyhannatwphistory.org.
