'Clear the Way!' - Gettysburg

"Faugh A Ballaugh" - anglicized Gaelic for "Clear the Way" is inscribed on the 28th Massachusetts Infantry monument on the Stony Hill, scene of fighting on the second day at Gettysburg. As part of the Irish Brigade, the 28th swept through the Wheatfield before taking position on the low hill at the Loop. It wasn't a long stay: Confederate attacks regained the sector, finally taking control of the Wheatfield for good after it changed hands several times, with the Irish taking just one part in a confused battle there. (Click image for larger view).

116th Pennsylvania of the Irish Brigade - Gettysburg

The monument to the 116th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry stands on the Loop at the Stony Hill at Gettysburg, where it had been sent into action at the Wheatfield on the second day at Gettysburg. The monument depicts a Irish Brigade member at rest along a stone fence, exactly as described by the unit's commander, Major St. Clair A. Mulholland, who came upon the young faced-casualty and remembered the scene vividly despite the roar and confusion of the fighting. He described the dead man as laying at peace, face turned to the sun, appearing relaxed with only a small bullet wound to the head to give evidence of his fate. (Click image for larger view).

Irish Brigade - Gettysburg

Flowers are left in remembrance between the paws of a wolfhound at the base of the Irish Brigade monument on the Stony Hill near the Wheatfield at Gettysburg. The Irish Brigade had won its fighting reputation on earlier battlefields, and was severely reduced in numbers at Gettysburg as a result. Regardless, the brigade performed well again, this time in the confusion swirling around the small field at the center of action on the second day. (Click image for larger view).