American soldiers throughout history honored at Bennett Place in Durham
DURHAM (WTVD) -- Bennett Place, the state historic site in Durham, was packed Saturday as visitors arrived for Memorial Day Remembrance activities. At the site, reenactors fired a cannon and set up camp along with other activities that represented the experiences of American soldiers who served during armed conflicts throughout history.
In addition to the cannon, reenactors fired both 18th and 19th century weapons.
"It'll take you all the way from the Revolutionary War to the current wars," said Jason Holmes, dressed in the uniform of a Confederate soldier. "It's something I've always been interested in, being a born and bred Southerner, I've felt like this is where you would fall in place."
Bennett Place was the site for the negotiation of the Civil War's largest troop surrender. Confederate and Union generals met multiple times before for the signing of the South's surrender papers on April 26, 1865.
A memorial to that date stands on the grounds there, surrounded by flags and flowers on the weekend when we pause to honor those who gave their all for this nation.
"My relatives were actually of Yankee descent. They're all from New York," said Holmes, "and here I am, born and raised in North Carolina, playing a southern soldier today."
He said he's also representing those Northern relatives and their sacrifices in the name of mending a divided nation after years of bloody battles.
You can learn more about the significance of Bennett Place here.
