Historical Monument To Overlook Graves Of Veterans In Philadelphia
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A soldier's monument that had been in storage since it was recovered after it was stolen years ago from the Mount Moriah Cemetery in Yeadon has been moved to a new home and the public will be able to see it Sunday during noon-time memorial ceremonies in East Falls.
It's a bronze statue of a Civil War-era Union soldier known as the "Silent Sentinel."
It stood in place in the Mount Moriah Cemetery for nearly 100 years until it was stolen in 1970 and later recovered and placed in storage.
Through the efforts of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, it's now set to watch over the graves of veterans in the Grand Army of the Republic section of Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia's East Falls section.
Andy Waskie, a Civil War historian and re-enactor, is a member of the Legion and the Laurel Hill board.
"[We are] returning this monument to its original mission or task which was to overlook the graves of veterans and bring attention to their efforts and to their service, magnificent service, during the Civil War and all veterans by extension," says Waskie.
Among those graves it will stand vigil over is that of Philadelphia's Gen. George Meade, who commanded troops at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Until a new base for the monument is completed, it is on display in the cemetery office.
