Antietam Memorial Canceled

Annual memorial event at Antietam canceled due to pandemic

SHARPSBURG, Md. (AP) – The National Park Service says an annual memorial event at Antietam National Battlefield has been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 32nd Memorial Illumination that had been set for Dec. 5 will not take place this year.

The event involved tens of thousands of luminaria placed on the battlefield in honor of those who were killed in the Civil War battle. Spectators viewed the illumination from their cars, but it took about 1,000 volunteers to set out and light the candles.