AUBURN - After her own daring escape from slavery, Harriet Tubman dedicated the remainder of her life to helping others.

Returning to the South another 19 times to aid in the escape of more than 300 people, and making a home for herself and family in Auburn where she opened a home for the aged in 1859 are just a sample of her accomplishments.

And now, 96 years after her death, Tubman continues to be a source of pride and inspiration to many.

Hundreds of people gathered for a memorial service at the Tubman gravesite in Fort Hill cemetery in Auburn Saturday morning to begin the 35th annual Harriet Tubman Pilgrimage celebration.

The service was presided over by Bishop George E. Battle Jr., prelate of the northeast region of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

The event continued at the Harriet Tubman Home on South Street in Auburn.

“This is a celebration of Harriet Tubman's life,” Battle said while visiting with guests at the Tubman Home. “It is a day to share, and talk about what her legacy means not only to our church but to all people.”

He said that it is important to instill Tubman's values into future generations.

“Harriet Tubman worked tirelessly and hard,” he said. “Nothing is more important than to share in the cause and influence of giving us the right to be here.”

Battle said that Tubman is the first woman, and only second African American, to receive an honor from the National Park Service.

Tubman has always held a special place in the everyday life of Gwen Neal, of Buffalo.

“When times seem bleak, as our economy is now,” she said, “thinking of all of the struggle that Harriet Tubman went through gives me hope. She may have been tired, weak and weary with very little support but she just kept right on going. That is very inspirational.”

Neal said that she has attended the pilgrimage for the past six years.

For Wendy Neal, also of Buffalo, this was a first visit to the Tubman Home and gravesite.

“I am filled with a sense of pride when I think of Harriet Tubman and others who have paved the way for us. It was a very unselfish and prideful thing that they have done.” she said. “I plan to come back again next year and bring as many people as I can.”