Following the trail of my Great Great Grandfather, Robert Harrison Cook, through his first tour with the 8th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry has brought the raw energy of the Civil War’s opening chapter to life. From the bustling muster at Camp Curtin to the gritty marches through Chambersburg, Williamsport, and Martinsburg, Robert and his Scranton Union Volunteers faced the mud, the drills, and the looming threat of Rebel forces with grit and determination. Their 90-day sprint, though short, helped set the stage for the Union’s long fight, fueled by brotherhood and a fierce love for country. Born on the same day as Robert, over a century apart, I feel his spirit urging me to keep these tales of valor and sacrifice alive, honoring the men who marched for freedom and left their mark on our nation’s story.