Antietam Battlefield Memorial Illumination

I am attending the event for the third year in a row… because it is one of the most stunning and awe inspiring services provided by NPS on its Civil War battlefields.
When I see the 23,000 white paper bag and tea light illuminates glowing in rows and columns over hillsides, around buildings, on stone bridges, and across fields along a five-​mile long roadside portion of the park, I cannot help but be struck with the fervor and passion that pushed these soldiers to give their all, literally! Yes, they fought for different causes, yet all commemorated here died for what they were fighting for!
Some tips for success:
1. PLAN for it to take three hours or so. It is worth the wait. It will take 20 – 30 minutes once you are in the park viewing the illuminaries.
2. Go later, after eight pm OR do as has been mentioned before and park and explore. Obviously there is an inherent risk, but…
3. Bring snacks, and STOP at a restroom just before you get in line
4. Take lots of pictures. Use the night landscape setting or a long exposure. Since you cannot stop, I suggest either that you go with a friend and one drives slowly while the other jumps out with a tripod and camera and takes the slow exposure images. The other option i have found works is a small 3″ flexi tripod that I rest on my open windowsill.
5. Caffeine… yep you’ll need it to stay awake on the trip home.
The bottom line is… GO, GO, GO. but I hope you are in line BEHIND me!