It was a celebration of history today in Philadelphia.
The city held a parade in honor of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War.
On April 15th, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln called upon volunteers to join the fight after the Confederates attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina three days earlier.
Volunteer forces marched through the streets of Philadelphia to the Wilmington and Baltimore Passenger Depot at the intersection of Broad Street and Washington Avenue.
Saturday’s parade honored those volunteers as well as citizens of the surrounding communities who fought in the war.
Around 500 re-enactors representing the Union marched from the National Constitution Center to Broad and Washington Saturday morning at 10 a.m.
They were joined by civilian re-enactors, members of the current armed services, military bands and university bands.
Mayor Michael Nutter also appeared at the ceremony, joined by actors portraying Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas.
In the end, the event reminded Philadelphia of the pivotal role that it played during a crucial time in the nation’s history.
