Memorial Day Weekend Observance
CEREMONY CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
Due to updated weather forecasts, we unfortunately have no choice but to cancel Saturday’s Memorial Day observance. Throughout the week we closely monitored the weather, and as recently as last night forecasts indicated only a 30% chance of rain. However, this morning’s updated reports now show steady rain beginning today and continuing into Sunday, with conditions expected to be significantly heavier than originally anticipated.
Because of these worsening conditions and out of concern for the safety and comfort of all attendees, the observance has been canceled.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate everyone’s understanding, support, and continued dedication to honoring our veterans and fallen service members.
A makeup observance will be TBA, we hope you will be able to join us then as we properly gather to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps Historical Society will host a gravesite dedication honoring Private Jackson Martin, Company H, “Cumberland Guards,” 7th Pennsylvania Reserves, a native of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania.
Held in observance of Memorial Day weekend, this public ceremony will mark the long-overdue recognition of a Civil War veteran whose grave remained unmarked for nearly a century.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Fileys Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery, 15 S Fileys Rd, Dillsburg, PA 17019
Format: Outdoor graveside dedication (approximately 60 +/- minutes)
This event is open to the public and will be conducted in a respectful, dignified manner appropriate to the cemetery setting.
About Private Jackson Martin
Private Jackson Martin served in Company H, 7th Pennsylvania Reserves, known as the Cumberland Guards. He was captured with much of his regiment during the Battle of the Wilderness on May 4, 1864, and survived imprisonment at the infamous Andersonville Prison in Georgia.
Martin returned home severely weakened by starvation and wrecked by disease. His recovery was long and difficult, and in later years he fell through the cracks of society. He died in 1928 in the poorhouse, penniless and without ever having claimed a military pension. No government headstone was furnished to mark his service.
This gravesite dedication seeks to correct that oversight and ensure that Private Martin is finally remembered by name.
Purpose of the Dedication
This ceremony is a community-led act of remembrance. It reflects a commitment to restoring dignity to veterans whose service went unrecognized and to preserving the historic memory of Pennsylvania’s Civil War soldiers for future generations.
Headstone Research & Installation
The Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps Historical Society conducted the historical research and successfully secured a government-issued headstone through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
With the permission of Cocklin Funeral Home, the headstone will be installed at the cemetery. Installation services are being generously donated by Gingrich Memorials in honor of Private Martin’s military service.
Ceremony Elements
Planned elements of the dedication may include:
- Opening and closing remarks
- Historical context
- A memorial wreath-laying
- An instrumental prelude/postlude
As planning continues, additional details and program elements will be shared on this page.
Volunteers & Community Participation
Local volunteers are welcome to assist with event planning, coordination, and day-of support. Participation in this dedication also serves as an entry point into ongoing work with the Lt. Nathan Carman Post (York County), including future commemorative events, cemetery workshops, and educational programs.
No prior experience is required.
Media & Public Officials
Members of the media and invited public officials are expected to attend. Additional information for media and participants will be posted as details are finalized.
Stay Updated
As this Memorial Day weekend observance continues to develop, updates will be posted here. Please check back for additional information as the event approaches.