Refurbished and stabilized, the Captain Jonathan Taylor GAR Post 182 Monument has assumed its familiar location along West Union Boulevard in the Rose Garden at a May 3 rededication ceremony.

Students and the school band at Nitschmann MS participated in the rededication with Nitschmann Principal Peter Mayes hosting the ceremony. Mayor Bob Donchez provided welcome remarks and Ed Root from the Civil War Round table of Eastern Pennsylvania provided a biography of Captain Jonathan Taylor, for whom the monument was originally dedicated on West Market Street in October 1887.

Taylor, a Bethlehem resident, was wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 1862. He was transported to Washington, D.C., and administered to for 82 days until he died from his battle injuries March 28, 1863. He was only 20 years old and was buried in God’s Acre just yards from the spot where the monument to his memory would eventually be located. His family, friends and the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Post 182 commemorated his life and service in the Civil War with dedication of the monument in October 1887.

The monument was moved to the Rose Garden location in 1967 due to concerns about its presence in the West Market Street right away being a traffic hazard.

Peter Maugle, a park panger and historian at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Park, was keynote speaker. Maugle, a graduate of Liberty HS, recalled how in his youth he would pass through the Rose Garden on his way to school at Nitschmann, admiring the monument.

“It made me feel that this city had been involved in something important,” said Maugle, who also noted the importance of remembering those who served.

“It’s an important way for veterans and families to remember soldiers so that future generations don’t forget the past,” Maugle added.

Directing his remarks to the Nitschmann students assembled in front of the Rose Garden’s band shell, Maugle told them, “I hope to inspire you to care more about our history.”

Re-enactors from the 153rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry also participated, giving an air of authenticity to the proceedings, and by presenting the colors during the National Anthem and by leading a procession through the Rose Garden to the GAR Monument, where an official ribbon cutting consummated the program.