- Press -

Bucks County, Pennsylvania, April 30, 2006: The 69th Pennsylvania Irish Volunteers, a Civil War reenacting organization, is proud to announce the release of their second CD, “In Their Honor.” This haunting collection of 19 Civil War ballads and Irish music (with 7 original songs) pays tribute to the patriotism and ultimate sacrifices of the courageous men of the 69th Pennsylvania Regiment, as well as honoring our nation’s fallen soldiers in all eras and services.

All proceeds from the band’s CD sales are donated to organizations honoring the memory of Civil War heroes. This includes battlefield preservation and support of the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT), the Friends of the National Park at Gettysburg (FNPG), Antietam National Battlefield, as well as tombstone dedications and classroom education programs and scholarships. “There is no group of its kind like the 69th Pennsylvania that has done more for preservation,” said Jim Lighthizer, President of the Civil War Preservation Trust which has over 75,000 members nationwide.

Since 1999, the organization has raised over $75,000 to support projects that preserve and honor America’s history, ranking it as one of “The CWPT Top 250” all-time donors to battlefield preservation. All funds that were raised for the production of the two CDs have come from over 100 local as well as national businesses.

The American Civil War preserved the United States as one nation and ended the institution of slavery that had divided the country. But these achievements came at the cost of over 625,000 lives---more American soldiers died in the Civil War than all other wars combined. The 69th organization, in addition to fund raising, works tirelessly to ensure that the enormous sacrifices and significance of this pivotal event in America’s historical consciousness continues to merit society’s respect and reverence.

Captain John Kopich, leader of the 69th Pennsylvania Irish Volunteers since 2002, reflects that the band was born out of an appreciation for the music which brought comfort to the soldiers, but evolved as a means to raise funds for its causes. “If you see our band perform, there is no question that they enjoy what they do and have great pride in the fact that they are bringing this wonderful music back to life, so to speak,” said Captain Kopich. “But it is really the money that can be raised through the sale of these CDs that is the motivation. We need funds to be able to continue to fulfill our organization’s core mission, which is to preserve and honor Civil War history.”