On Nov. 5, from 6-8 p.m., Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park will hold its 3rd annual “Ceremony on Hallowed Ground,” a “luminary” event to honor U.S. veterans, using the Battle of Hillman Farm as the setting for its observance.

Using volunteer American Civil War re-enactors positioned on the darkened battlefield to recite assigned portions of the battle narrative, the park offers visitors a sobering and dramatic experience of hearing the portrayed voices of the survivors of the engagements at Sailor's Creek.

The ceremony will be illuminated by natural light. Five hundred luminaries will flank the path on which visitors will be guided. Candle-lit lanterns will illuminate the faces of the re-enactors who will briefly become visible to give their account. Visitors return to a soldier's campfire from their .8-mile walk to hear the haunting notes of “Taps” played in the distant dark to complete the ceremony.

Two commemorative walks are planned, one at 6 p.m. and one at 7 p.m. at the “Overlook” site .3 miles north of the park's visitor center.

The event is free to the public and will be re-scheduled to Nov. 12 in the event of inclement weather.

For more information contact the park visitor center at 804-561-7510.