23,000 Candles - One for Each Soldier Killed, Wounded or Missing at the Battle of Antietam

On Saturday evening December 6, 2008, Antietam National Battlefield, in cooperation with the American Business Women's Association, will host the 20th Annual Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination in honor of those soldiers who fell during the Battle of Antietam. In the event of poor weather, the Illumination will be rescheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2008.

The Illumination opens to the public at     6:00 p.m. The main entrance to the event is Richardson Avenue off Maryland Route 34. From Boonsboro, travel west on Route 34 and a line will form on the westbound shoulder for entrance to the Illumination. From Hagerstown or West Virginia, travel to Sharpsburg and head east on Maryland Route 34 and make an appropriate turnaround at some point to access the line on the westbound shoulder of Route 34.

The driving tour through the park is approximately 5 miles long. Vehicles are to use parking lights only, to the extent technology permits this, and continue through the event without stopping. People on foot are highly discouraged from walking the tour route. Event brochures will be distributed at the event entrance and contributions will also be accepted.

KEY FACTS FOR THE PROGRAM

• Entrance to the park for this event is on Route 34.
• Stopping or exiting vehicles along the route is not permitted.
• The line of cars to enter can be up to two hours long.
• There are no bathrooms along the route.
• The visitor center closes at 3:00 p.m.