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From the Battlefields of Sailor's Creek to the Shores of Omaha Beach
Shared by Jim Godburn, as Guest Blogger.
Throughout the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia, brave men and women have given their time, toil and lives in the service of their country and their state.
One exceptional unit among the many formed here in the Commonwealth is the 29th Infantry Division. Drawn largely from citizens of the southern Piedmont region (from Amelia and the surrounding counties) and the Shenandoah Valley, the 29th has had a proud history of service and sacrifice. From the tobacco towns and fields of rural Southside to the rolling pastures and quaint villages of the Valley, the 29th is very much our home town regiment.
The 29th Infantry Division, also known as the Blue and Grey, found their genesis in 'The Stonewall Brigade' of Robert E Lee's Amy of Northern Virginia. Men from that unit, along with thousands of other Confederate and Federal soldiers fought here in Amelia County along the banks of Little Sailors Creek in the waning days of the Civil War.
In the final days of World War One, the 29th was involved in heavy fighting in France. In 21 days of combat, the men of the 29th captured over 2,000 German prisoners, disabled or destroyed hundreds of enemy machine guns and artillery pieces all the while suffering over 30% casualties. Disbanded upon their return home, the men of the 29th resumed their civilian lives but the 29th still remained a unit of the Virginia National Guard.
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The 29th Infantry Division, also known as the Blue and Grey
In the last year of World War, Company A of the 116th Infantry Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division was virtually annihilated as it came ashore on Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944. The men of the 116th, known as 'The Bedford Boys' all hailed from nearby Bedford, Virginia. The dreadful loss to that small community led to the establishment of the National D-Day Memorial near Bedford.
Whether in the Civil War, World War One, World War Two or the many other conflicts of this Nation, the service of these brave soldiers and the loss of the bravest has created a deep and abiding place of honor and respect among our local citizens. It is right and proper that we share their history here, on the site of one of their many battles.
To learn more about the 29th Infantry, click here.
This program will feature three speakers, Command Historian of the Virginia National Guard Alexander Barnes, Major General Timothy Williams, Adjutant General of the US Army and Air National Guard in Virginia and Christopher Calkins, retired historian with the National Park Service at Petersburg National Battlefield and currently Site Manager at Sailor's Creek Battlefield. These three esteemed historians also authored the history of the 29th Infantry Division, entitled 'Let's Go'.
All three of our presenters will highlight various details from the service of the 29th, both past and present.
Alexander Barnes,Timothy Williams, and Chris Calkins the authors of
"Let's Go! The History of the 29th Infantry Division."
Members of the Friends of Sailor's Creek will sell visitors all you can eat ice cream for $2 during the program. Afterward, copies of the history of the 29th will be on sale with $5 of each sale going to the support of the Friends Group. The authors will remain on hand to display artifacts from the unit, autograph copies of 'Let's Go' and answer visitor questions.
This is a family friendly event highlighting the military service of local community members and their families. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
For directions and more information about Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park, click here.
If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.
