A new monument honoring Wayne County soldiers who served in the Civil War will be dedicated Aug. 22 during a day of public events in Lyons Central Park.
The Wayne County Historical Society said the event will include living history demonstrations, music, historical exhibits, a soldiers' parade and the formal dedication of the "True Valor at Gettysburg" monument.
Activities will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the soldiers' parade beginning at 12:45 p.m. and the dedication following at 1 p.m.
The two-piece bronze monument depicts three life-size soldiers from the 111th New York Infantry during the Battle of Gettysburg. The regiment was raised largely from Wayne and Cayuga counties, and about half of its roughly 1,000 members were from Wayne County.
Sculptor Gary Casteel is expected to install the 600-pound figures on a granite pedestal in mid-August. The monument depicts color bearers Sgt. Judson Hicks of Marion and Cpl. Payson Derby of Cayuga County, along with an unnamed infantryman representing other members of the regiment.
The dedication will include a recitation of the Gettysburg Address, wreath presentations and display of an original flag staff from the 111th Regiment on loan from the National Civil War Museum. A free documentary screening and question-and-answer session are scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Ohmann Theatre.
Related receptions requiring reservations are planned for Aug. 21 and Aug. 22 at Lyons Elks Lodge No. 869. Additional event information is available from the Wayne County Historical Society.
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