This week, members throughout the Philadelphia area Armenian-American community will gather at the grave of Khachadour Paul Garabedian, the U.S. Civil War’s only Armenian combat soldier, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).

The Philadelphia Armenian-American Veterans’ Association will host a special dedication ceremony Saturday afternoon at the Armenian khachkar properly marking Garabedian’s grave site.

“Garabedian met his adopted country’s challenges and received its blessings, and in return he was moved to answer its call and serve the Union in the Civil War.

He is a reminder of what an important role Armenian-Americans have played in our nation’s history, and as a veteran he is particularly deserving of our respect. I am glad that he could finally be properly honored with this memorial and that his story will continue to inspire all Americans in the future,” said Paul Sookiasian, the Assembly’s Armenian-American Action Committee (ARAMAC) Philadelphia Chair.