Marching Home
Hillsborough man connects to his family's and the country's history
By ERICA LAMBERG
Correspondent
Reprinted with the permission of the COURIER NEWS.
As it appeared in the December 3, 2003 Community section
At Remeberance Day on the Gettysburg, Pa. battlefield in November, the 2nd New Jersey Brigade at the monument of the 1st New Jersey Brigade. Kneeling from left to right: Walt Barger of Hillsborough and Ken Friedman. Standing from left to right: Chip Zerr, Barry Hartnett, Arnie Needleman, Pat Sweeney and Dave White.
By partaking in re-enactments of American Civil War battles, Walter Barger of Hillsborough combines his interest in American Civil War history with the pride of honoring his paternal great, great grandfather, Charles Barger, who served in the Civil War.
Three years ago, Barger co-founded the 2nd New Jersey Infantry, a group of non-comissioned officers from New Jersey who re-enact battles from the Civil War.
"We had been with a unit portraying a Pennsylvania regiment, but the desire for more authenticity and the fact that most of us who felt the same were from New Jersey caused us to portray the 2nd New Jersey," said Barger, 35, who lives in Hillsborough with his wife, Rochelle, and two daughters Lauren, 8, and Amanda, 6. "Our uniforms are made from period patterns using the correct weight and color of wool, all the gear we carry are reproductions of exactly what the soldiers had, and the rifles are 58 caliber muzzle loading weapons."
Barger pointed out that although the re-enactments are as close to authentic as possible, real ammunition is not used.
"We fire blanks of black powder during re-enactments," he said.
When Barger discusses the military history of his great, great grandfather, he cites an impressive military career.
"He enlisted with the 26th Pennsylvania Infantry in May 1861 as a private, and rose to sergeant by the time his three years was completed," said Barger, an electrical engineer with ANADIGICS in Warren. "He fought in every major battle in the East, including the three days at Gettysburg, and his name is listed on the Pennsylvania monument erected on the Gettysburg battle field. I was given copies of his discharge papers and a letter from his captain by a distant cousin of mine when I graduated high school."
Last month, Barger traveled to Gettysburg and participated in events to commemorate Remeberance Day.
"It is a yearly event at Gettysburg National Park, on the battlefield of Gettysburg," Barger said. "On this day, re-enactors and descendants of soldiers gather to remember those who gaves their lives to preserve the United States. This year was the 140th anniversary of the dedication of the cemetery there, where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address on Nov. 19, 1863."
Currently, there are 11 officers in the 2nd New Jersey Infantry, and Barger said new members are welcome.
"This hobby would be of interest to history buffs, military buffs and pople who enjoy camping and the camaraderie of others with similar interests," he said. "I have learned more about the Civil War period by doing this than I could ever hope to learn from a textbook."
For more information about the 2nd New Jersey Infantry, contact Walter Barger at wbarger@patmedia.net.
Walter Barger holds his great-great grandfather's pocket watch fob next to his name on the Pennsylvania monument at the Gettysburg battlefield.
