The 18th Antietam Illuminary took place on December 2, 2006. Hundreds of volunteers placed 23,100 candles across the fields of Antietam National Battlefield, one for each Union and Confederate soldier that was killed, wounded or went missing on September 17, 1862.

If you ever have an opportunity to find yourself at Antietam in early December, I highly encourage you to come. Until then, I hope this series of lowlight photographs can give you a sense of the serenity, honor and respect of this growing tradition.