June 17th

In Massachusetts National Guard history June 17th is the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, that was the birth of the Continental Army.

But for the 110th Cavalry June 17th has another signifgance as well. In Virginia during the 1863 cavalry campaign leading up to Gettysburg was the Battle of Aldie.

This was the most costly battle for the regiment, and there is a monument to the men on the Snickersville Turnpike. Heading around the bend pursuing rebel forces the Virginia Cavalry dismounted behind two stone walls that ran besides the turnpike.

The volley wiped out half the regiment in less than 5 minutes, the corpses of the horses and men blocking further advancement.

In 1891 the veterans association got together and had the memorial installed.