THE GENERAL MEADE SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA

Mission Statement

Annual General Meade Birthday Celebration

Based in the Greater Philadelphia area, the General Meade Society is an organization dedicated to the memory and deeds of the hero of Gettysburg, General George G. Meade (1815-1872). The General Meade Society of Philadelphia, founded in 1996 by Meade enthusiasts promotes the legacy of Meade, his veterans, and the Civil War era in a living history format that is enjoyed by members and friends of the Society.

General Meade, who was born in 1815 in Cadiz, Spain, is remembered especially on his birthday, December 31st, with a gala noonday birthday celebration at his gravesite in Philadelphia’s historic Laurel Hill Cemetery. His grave overlooks a very scenic section of Fairmount Park and is a wonderful setting when the time comes for all attending to honor ‘Our Hero’ with a champagne toast – the General’s favorite drink. Following the graveside commemorations, attendees are invited to a reception in the cemetery’s gate house. The annual birthday celebration is the Meade Society’s signature event; free and open to the public, it is always well attended.

Other activities for the Society include the following: an annual champagne brunch and awards program, an educational symposium, bi-annual trips to historic venues, the recreation of the original Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Day ceremony, a summer baseball outing, and the sponsorship of a $1000.00 scholarship to a deserving graduating student from The General George G. Meade School in Philadelphia.

The General Meade Society’s mission statement is a complete and unbiased way of presenting a patriotic message: “to promote and preserve the memory of Union Major General George Gordon Meade, commander of the Army of the Potomac and architect of the Union victory at Gettysburg.”

The General Meade Society endeavors to enlighten and educate the public as to the historic significance of the distinguished military and civilian career of George Gordon Meade, a humble individual who rose to the occasion when our country was threatened with Civil War. Thanks to the efforts of the Society, we anticipate that General Meade will be long remembered and honored for years to come.

 For further information about General Meade and the General Meade Society of Philadelphia , please visit- generalmeadesociety.org