Please join us at Trenton's historic Locust Hill Cemetery on Saturday May 16th and Saturday May 23rd. Details below; contact mccormicknj@aol.com for more information --
At least ten African American Veterans of the Civil War rest in Trenton’s Locust Hill Ceremony. Since their deaths, much has changed in Trenton, and their graves were neglected for many years, but a restoration effort has now brought together residents, multiple city groups and civic leaders.
On Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. the public is asked to come out and help clean and maintain the cemetery grounds. The cemetery borders the Assunpink Creek and greenway. Help is needed – Please register by emailing mccormicknj@aol.com or calling (609) 208-9991. The cemetery is located at 73 Hart Avenue, Trenton NJ 08638.
On Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11 a.m. the public is invited to join in honoring the veterans of Locust Hill and all who served in a traditional flag placement ceremony. Ten flags will be planted in the Cemetery sod during the ceremony, one for each of the Civil War veterans buried there. The flags will be placed by Trenton High School Junior ROTC cadets, assisted by reenactors of the 6th Regiment United States Colored Troops. After firing a volley, taps will sound and the Lotus Chorale of Trenton will perform “Mansions of the Lord.” Mayor Reed Gusciora will offer remarks.
The exact locations of the soldiers’ graves are unknown, and the identity of four of the veterans is “known only to God.” Nonetheless, they will be remembered with respect and gratitude for their service during our nation’s greatest hour of trial.
The clean-up and ceremony are sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Trenton and the City of Trenton in conjunction with the 6th Regiment U.S. Colored Troops Reenactors. Both events are free and the public is encouraged to attend. For more information, please call (609) 208-9991 or email mccormicknj@aol.com