Over the past 50 years, Pete "Doc" Peters has visited places as a Civil War re-enactor, believing he once fought in the battles as a soldier.

"My wife [Beverly] always tells me that I have been reincarnated," Peters said. "I have really had feelings at different functions and places that were actually part of a battle in the 1800s. I have been in barns and houses from the Civil War and I felt like I have been there before. It is just that I have researched and played the part of a surgeon as well as I could, and it becomes very surreal.

"I guess this has been such a huge part of my life and it can easily overwhelm at times."

Peters, 75, started studying Gettysburg and other Civil War battles in his early twenties and soon thereafter began his career as a re-enactor.

He has played the role of a surgeon for the Union army since the 100th anniversary observence of the Battle in Gettysburg that occurred in 1963.

Peters' involvement became less burdensome when he retired from his job in his mid-50s. Now he travels anywhere from two to five times monthly during the usual schedule of events that are held from April through November at various Civil War battle sites. He is often joined by Chase Morber, a teenager from Whitehall, who acts as a hospital aide.

"I have always had a deep interest and love for history," Peters said. "This was something that was a great fit for me. When I went to Gettysburg and saw and realized what happened, I just fell in love with it. When I retired, it was easier to travel."

He was one of only of 15 people who has been present at both the 100th and 150th anniversary of the war celebrations. The 150th celebration recently occurred in July in Gettysburg, where Peters lived in a tent for 10 days, playing the role of a surgeon.

Peters has received a citation and a medal for his participation in both events, both honors that he proudly displays.

Throughout his career, Peters has traveled throughout the country – primarily on the East Coast and he has also been a part of numerous television shows highlighting Gettysburg. He also had a minor role in the recent movie, "Lincoln."

He has crossed paths with his share of celebrities and one of his more memorable incidents involved director Steven Spielberg and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, having met the latter at the 150th celebration.

His experiences have helped shape and mold the life he portrays as a soldier.

"The friends I have made and the camaraderie that has developed have been tremendous," Peters said. "When I first started, I was in the infantry, but then I became too old for that unit. A friend of mine told me to go into the signal corps. From there, I went into the medical field.

"There was a professor from Kutztown [University] who played a general and asked me to join the medical staff. It has worked out fine. I have been there since, and there have been so many great memories."

Peters has a room in his home dedicated to the Gettysburg re-enactment that is littered and decorated with artifacts, such as guns and uniforms, and has bookshelves lined with periodicals and citations.

"That's his world and he is very proud of it," said his wife Beverly. "He can get lost in there, but he really knows and appreciates what it means."

Spry and active for his age, Peters plans to attend the 150th anniversary of the recitation of the Gettysburg Address in November. He said President Barack Obama has been invited to attend.

One of his finest and most anticipated moments will occur in 2015 when the 150th anniversary event occurs, which will include the surrender at Appomattox Court House.

"I will be at the Gettysburg Address event in November and I'm looking forward to possibly meeting the president," Peters said. "I'm also going to try and hang in there until 2015 to get to Appomattox.

"I love doing it. A few years ago, the Confederate army told me that I could join them. So, I know I have an army to be active in for a while. Every morning, I check my emails and I get them from all over.

"If I'm in good health and can do it, I'm going to hang in there as long as I can."

Whatever the case, it has been a life well spent for Peters.