Lamar “Doc” Peters is a man who is worth speaking about. He has been involved in Civil War re-enactments for 60 years and is not slowing down any time soon.

He has had a colorful, full life. He was born in West Catasauqua in January 1938. In 1955, he served in the Army National Guard.

He participated in his first re-enactment ceremony for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1963.

After meeting a professor from Kutztown University, fondly named “General” Vaska, he participated in a re-enactment ceremony of an amputation. During the war, General Andrew Jackson was shot in the arm by his own troops requiring an amputation. This set Peters on the road to becoming Doc Peters.

The title refers to his interest and knowledge of Civil War medical procedures, in which he has a great interest and has become an expert in over the years. He is a member of the Civil War Impressionist Society. Through this group, he often discusses his knowledge of Civil War medicine at live demonstrations and festivals.

In recent years, he has become more known. He participated in the 2006 movie “Gods and Generals” which featured famous actors such as Robert Duvall, Jeff Daniels and Stephen Lang. He was also in the Civil War television movie “Field of Lost Shoes,” which was filmed in Virginia.

His Civil War medical knowledge and enthusiasm have landed him spots on C-Span, the History Channel, the Smithsonian Channel and Good Morning America. He had the opportunity to meet Steven Spielberg, who said he wished Peters was able to be in one of his films.

At the 150th re-enactment celebration of the Gettysburg battle, he received a certificate of appreciation for being a part of living history from the U.S. Senate. He felt that was quite an honor.

This year, at 85 years old, he will be participating in the 160th re-enactment of the Battle of Gettysburg at the George Spengler farm. This was the site of the 11th core field hospital during the actual battle.

Peters continues to give presentations to schools, historical societies and senior citizens homes on the topic of Civil War medicine and amputations on a regular basis.

He has been married to his wife, Beverly, for 59 years. She has been more than supportive regarding his Civil War endeavors over the years. Peters is proud to recognize her as his rock and the reason he presses on.

“I don’t want to sit around waiting to die. I wanna continue to live,” Peters said, noting he will not be slowing down any time soon.

Over the years, Peters has made numerous friends for which he is very thankful. He is also thankful for the famous people he was able to meet and for the knowledge he gained on how movies are made.

He said there is lots of learning to do yet - no time to be idle.