News Release

Abraham Lincoln Birthday Observance at the Lincoln Memorial on Tuesday, February 12

National Park Service photo

News Release Date: February 10, 2019

Contact: Mike Litterst, 202-306-4166

Washington – The National Park Service and the Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Committee will observe the 210th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln during a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 11:45 a.m. The program is free and open to the public.

Robin Nixon, acting superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks will deliver welcoming remarks and Dr. Janet Morgan Riggs, president of Gettysburg College, will provide the keynote address. The Frederick Talley Drum Hunt History Award will be presented to James D. Leroux 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 Air Force Band Brass Quintet, 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.
 

NPS