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'Living history' on Civil War battlefields

Before the Civil War ended, re-enactments began.

Soldiers, freshly home from combat, recreated battle scenes to educate townspeople and honor fallen comrades.

For Gettysburg's 50th anniversary in 1913, more than 50,000 Confederate and Union veterans returned to Pennsylvania to celebrate America's reunification. The former foes, ages 61 to an alleged 112, re-enacted the gruesome clash to an awe-struck audience.

After the Civil War's centennial commemorations in the 1960s, modern portrayals trickled into mainstream pop culture. Now, as the 150th anniversary approaches, thousands of Americans dress up to go back in time. Re-enactment groups, located in nearly every state, never stop recruiting....

Read entire article at CNN