Civil War Officer Extended Memorial Day Tribute by Museum

The following was written by Chris Dehnel

Representatives from the New England Civil War Museum paid tribute to Col. Thomas Burpee at the Grove Hill Cemetery in Vernon this week. 

Decorating Burpee's grave is a rite practiced each Memorial Day. 

Burpee commanded the 14th Connecticut regiment.

The regiment was involved in 34 major battles and skirmishes and there is a display noting it on a wall at the museum, located at Vernon Town Hall. 

The battles include Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, The Wilderness, Spottsylvania and Cold Harbor.

Burpee, was killed at Cold Harbor. The bullet that found him is on display at the museum.