Washington County proclaims support for Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing the Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination and honored volunteers who organize the annual event.

Tom Ryford, a member of the event’s organizing board, told the commissioners the illumination places 23,110 luminaries across the battlefield and requires about 1,500 volunteers for a five‑mile driving tour that draws visitors from across the country and abroad. “It has been called the single most impactful visual exhibit of the casualties at Antietam,” Ryford said.

Tom Clemens, who provides historical perspective for the event, and Georgine Charles, long‑time volunteer leader, described the months of planning and the work volunteers perform to prepare the luminaries. Georgine Charles was singled out for 35 years of service; commissioners presented a proclamation recognizing the 30th annual memorial illumination and Georgine Charles Day.

The proclamation notes that the illumination commemorates the Sept. 17, 1862, battle and the 23,110 killed or injured soldiers remembered by the luminaria. Commissioners thanked the National Park Service staff and local partners who support the event. The board’s remarks emphasized volunteer labor and the event’s cultural and educational role for the county.

The event is scheduled for Dec. 6; organizers emphasized continued volunteer needs and community support.

The board did not take any separate policy action tied to the illumination during the meeting beyond issuing the proclamation and recognition.