With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photo Essay: "The Blue & the Gray" Civil War Reenactment @ Tierra Rejada Ranch, 11/11/07
()
I’ve been hearing about Civil War reenactments for a while now, but until this year I had no idea there was one a few miles from LA County. According to the official event website, this particular reenactment (hosted by the Richmond Howitzer Battalion) is the largest in Southern California. The participants, many of whom are veterans, pay the expenses themselves and the attention to detail is amazing.
This year, the event took place Nov. 10-11 at the Tierra Rejada Ranch in Moorpark. Reenactments included the battles of Antietam, Shiloh, Cold Harbor, Franklin and more. I caught the final battle on the 11th—the Battle of Franklin followed by the Gettysburg Address.
The day was drizzly and gray, which seemed an appropriate setting for the battle. More photos after the jump.
Support for LAist comes from
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
Support for LAist comes from
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
Support for LAist comes from
Next year I hope to return for a full day. It was a place that prompted so many different emotions—there were smiles all around in the stores and food establishments, and it was great seeing the costumes, some of which took 25 hours to create. There was a sense of awe in just observing the incredible scenes before us. I think my jaw dropped just as much as the 10-year-old boy standing next to me.
But all the emotions and activities seemed to revolve around a fulcrum of solemn respect. To know that there were veterans out there on the field, and then think about the brave men and women on the front lines today...it really hit home.
When it came time for the Gettysburg Address, the audience stood in a hushed silence as the words enveloped us then dissipated into the woods. And one couldn't help but feel proud—of our country, of our servicemen and women, and of our veterans.
"But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract." —From the Gettysburg Address
Photos by Michele Reverte for LAist
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases. -
Distrito Catorce’s Guillermo Piñon says the team no longer reflects his community. A new mural will honor local leaders instead. -
The program is for customers in communities that may not be able to afford turf removal or water-saving upgrades. -
More than half of sales through September have been to corporate developers. Grassroots community efforts continue to work to combat the trend.
Best of LAist