AUGUSTA — The state archivist will brief the City Council on Thursday about an upcoming event commemorating Maine’s entry into the Civil War 150 years ago.
The April 15 event at the Augusta Civic Center, “Saving the Union: The Call for Volunteers” is meant to honor Maine’s significant role in the Civil War.
Gov. Paul LePage, Civil War re-enactors, color guards from the Maine National Guard, Secretary of State Charles Summers Jr., Maine Adjutant General John “Bill” Libby and state Legislators are all expected to appear.
The event is also scheduled to include readings of Civil War-era letters from Maine citizens, music by the 195th Maine National Guard Band and choral music by the Bowdoin and Colby College chorus’.
“It will be the first time these various constituents will be in the same location, ever,” said State Archivist David Cheever. “It was on April 15, 1861 that President Abraham Lincoln asked states such as Maine to raise 75,000 volunteer soldiers to defend the Union against southern states that were seceding, primarily over the issue of slavery. Maine answered Lincoln’s call with vigor and this event is representative of Maine’s key role in the Civil War.”
Cheever, of Augusta, said he was asked to inform councilors about the event by Mayor David Rollins.
Councilors are scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Thursday in council chambers at the Augusta City Center. The meeting will be preceded by a pre-meeting, at 6:30 p.m., which is also open to the public.
Councilors are also scheduled to hear a presentation from Reagan LaRochelle on the “Mind Your Business” pilot program and consider certifying the election results from the March 29 referendum in which residents voted, 339 to 50, in favor of a proposal to accept an $889,000 state School Revolving Renovation Fund loan to replace the ventilation system at Gilbert Elementary School.
Keith Edwards — 621-5647
kedwards@centralmaine.com
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