Fort George G. Meade: The First 100 Years

186 THE FIRST 100 YEARS
Serle-Alan A. Wise – Destiny
When I first arrived at Fort Meade in 1985, I had planned on staying
a usual length of tour, two to three years maximum, and then go to a
new, overseas position. I was surrounded by some of the kindest, most
wonderful people I had ever had the opportunity to work with as a
team and it felt like “home.” People say that everything happens for a
reason, but I often wondered, why Fort George G. Meade, Maryland? A
few years ago, following decades of my mother and sister’s genealogical
research, I learned that my family originated from the Massachusetts
area. In fact; two ancestral homes still stand and I went there to tour;
but one story grabbed my attention.
The house is filled with artifacts and items that only belonged to
descendants and family members. The item that caught my interest was
the melodeon: a small piano like instrument. It seems that after the
Battle of Gettysburg, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade asked his men if
anyone could play an instrument. Meade wanted President Lincoln's
address to have musical acompanment. One of my ancestors stated
he could play a melodeon and had one at a relative’s home a day or so
away. General Meade sent men and a wagon to fetch the instrument
and it was played on the day of the famous address.
The sense of connection to Fort Meade and its namesake gave me
cause to wonder and smile. Thank you Fort George G. Meade for the
memories. It has been an incredible 32-year visit!
(Above) Argonne Hills Chapel. (Below) Bible school c. 1940s.