News Release

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday to be Observed at the Lincoln Memorial on Feb. 12

National Park Service photo

News Release Date: January 27, 2026 Washington –The National Park Service and the Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Committee will observe the 217th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln during a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 10:45 a.m.

The program is free and open to the public. In addition to music and “appropriate remarks,” the ceremony will include presentation of the James Alan Simmons History Award by the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and a reading of the Gettysburg Address by Matt Lyon, dean of the Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law. John Moore of the Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Committee will serve as master of ceremonies.

The Military District of Washington will serve as color guard for the ceremony, and music will be provided by the brass quintet from the United States Navy. At the conclusion of the ceremony, wreaths will be presented by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Committee, and other 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, together with the National Park Service and the Military District of Washington.

Prior to the ceremony, the Military District of Washington will conduct a Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor wreath-laying ceremony at 9 a.m. in the chamber of the memorial in honor of President Lincoln's birthday.
 

NPS