Flag Day & Civil War Encampment at Island Grove 2015 Abington MA
A number of interested residents led by Doug Ulwick, president of the Historical Society of Old Abington, have joined together to help plan a special weekend of Flag Day events on June 13th and 14th as well as celebrating the completion of the Island Grove Memorial Arch restoration.
A Civil War encampment, featuring the 22nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Co D. and the United States Sanitary Commission – Boston Branch, will be on site at Island Grove. One of the highlights of Abington’s Tricentennial Celebration in 2012 was a candlelight tour of the Civil War encampment created by Civil War re-enactors. Camp activities will run from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13th. Activities to include: Union, Confederate and Civilian Camps, G.A.R. and Military artifacts on display, Veteran’s Reserve Corp., Soldiers’ drill, cooking demonstration, blacksmith demonstration, kid’s muster and drill and skirmish. Bring your cameras!
There will also be a musical program featuring Shades of Gray at the gazebo during the evening lantern tour at 8:00 p.m. Be sure to bring your flashlight or lantern as paths to and from the camp may be dark.
The committee would once again like to create an unforgettable sight of lining the Island Grove Bridge with luminarias. The luminarias will be created by placing tea lights in clear glass jars. A specially-marked container is located in the lobby of the Town Hall through June 10th for residents who wish to donate glass jars (16-24 oz.).
A ceremony of the Unveiling of the Arch, Eagle and Abolitionist Memorial will begin at 2:00 p.m. featuring guest speakers and music from the Abington Town Choir.
The candlelight tour and a Civil War encampment will be featured on June 13th and a family picnic day with concerts and games is being planned for Flag Day, June 14th.
Sunday Afternoon Picnic on the Point at Island Grove†on Sunday, June 14th at 1:00 p.m. Bring your picnic  chair, a blanket  and enjoy an afternoon of music!
Concert schedule is as follows:
1:00 p.m. – George Lopes, the Wandering Troubadour
2:00 p.m. – South Shore Men of Harmony, patriotic performance (sponsored by the Knights of Columbus bingo)
2:45 p.m. – We’ll Get Back 2 U, Abington’s own….
3:00 p.m. – Loud and Clear, South Shore Cover Band
In addition, The Abington Lions Club will be selling their signature strawberry shortcake and “best-in-town†hot dogs. Ice cream will be sold by Abington’s own, Cream.
