News Release

Abraham Lincoln Birthday Observance at the Lincoln Memorial

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News Release Date: February 6, 2018

Contact: Nancy Murray, 202-245-4675

Contact: Mike Litterst, 202-245-4676

Washington – The National Park Service and the Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Committee will observe the 209th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln during a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial on Monday, February 12, 2018 at 12 p.m. The program is free and open to the public.

Jennifer Madello, acting deputy superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks will deliver welcoming remarks and the Honorable Gary W. Wade, Dean of Duncan School of Law at Lincoln Memorial University, will provide the keynote address. The Frederick Talley Drum Hunt History Award will be presented to Jimmy Diamondidis and Aidan Wang of the Severn School in Severna Park, Maryland by the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. Music will be provided by the United States Marine Band quintet and the Lincoln Memorial University Select Quartet, and Peter Arrott Dixon, chairman of the Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Committee, will serve as master of ceremonies.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, wreaths will be presented by the Diplomatic Corps (represented by the Embassy of Palau), the U.S. Department of the Interior, District of Columbia, Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Committee, the Military District of Washington D.C., and more than a dozen Abraham Lincoln-themed commemorative organizations.

Following the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial in 1922, members of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States resolved to commemorate the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth each year at the Memorial, starting on February 12, 1923. The Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Committee continues this tradition, in partnership with the National Park Service and the Military District of Washington.

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