Camp Kearny

The company is on dress parade, bayonets fixed, haversacks left behind in tents. The day’s weather has been tolerable for wearing our blue wool uniforms. It may rain tonight, but not on our parade! After we’ve reached the colors, First Sergeant Pinette presents the company to Captain Bray. It’s my first official dress parade, even after fourteen years of reenacting. Around me are fifty fellow nerds of varying ages and occupations, but all fascinated enough in the Civil War to portray the 3rd Maine Infantry.

Captain Bray orders two privates to the front. They are awarded their infantry horn and 1st Division, 3rd Corps red diamond. The red diamond represents members who are fully outfitted, capable of surviving on their own for at least a weekend. The infantry horn is for those who have seen the elephant (participated in a battle reenactment). You can see each one on Corporal Thomas in the image below (he’s the red-bearded fellow). I remind myself to pin mine onto my own kepi when I’m home. 

“Ordinarily, this would be the end of the dress parade. This camp of instruction is named after Phil Kearny, who commanded the 1st Division, 3rd Corps, of which the 3rd Maine was a part. They loved Kearny. When he was killed at the Battle of Chantilly in 1862, General Birney minted the Kearny Cross to honor their fallen commander and recognize soldiers. Each regiment received 30 medals to be distributed. The medal comes with the Latin phrase, which reads: ‘It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country.’”

Captain Bray is interrupted by a few ooh!s and aaah!s.

Bray continues, “This year, the 3rd Maine is beginning a new initiative: Soldier of the Year. This member must be a solid representative of the 3rd Maine and have attended 75% of annual events. They must be a soldier’s soldier. This is, to our knowledge, the first time this award has been given in over 150 years.”

Captain Bray presents the award to Private Donahue. Well deserved.

The company offers three cheers. I’m quite proud of our organization. Yeah, it’s fun to camp and shoot guns. But the real heart of our mission is education and keeping the memory alive of the men we represent.