Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Signature Events

I've mentioned the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission more than a few times in the Abraham Lincoln Blog. The Commission, co-chaired by Harold Holzer and Ray LaHood, is the official organizer of the major celebrations honoring the 200th birthday of Mr. Lincoln. The Commission will be holding national events in Washington, D.C. on February 12th, 2009.

The day's events will kick off at 8:00 a.m. at the Lincoln Memorial for a birthday tribute and wreath-laying ceremony. President Obama has been invited to make a few appropriate remarks. In addition, acclaimed poet Nikki Giovanni will recite a new work for the occasion. Grammy-nominated singer Michael Feinstein will perform. The Gettysburg Address will be recited by retired Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Frank J. Williams, who also happens to be a member of the Commission.

Immediately after the ceremony, a commemorative breakfast, open to the public, will be held in heated tents next to the memorial. Mr. Feinstein will continue to perform for the breakfast attendees. The price per person of $125.00 will benefit the Commission and its continued programs.

At 1:30 that afternoon, a "National Teach-In" will occur. The leaders of the teach-in will be Mr. Holzer, Lincoln scholar Matthew Pinkser, and the author Doris Kearns Goodwin, who of course wrote the book "Team Of Rivals: The Political Genius Of Abraham Lincoln."

For detailed information about the ceremony, breakfast, and teach-in, it may be found here at the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission's website. I heard earlier today from a staffer at the Commission, asking me if I'd provide some publicity for the events. I'm happy to oblige. I would absolutely LOVE to attend the ceremony at the memorial and the breakfast, but I'm not sure I'll have the time to do so. I can imagine how moving the ceremonies will be.

Other events that day will take place in Hodgenville, Kentucky which of course is close to Lincoln's birthplace. And certainly events will be occurring in Springfield, Illinois. More on those next week.