Abraham Lincoln's Birthday Observation at the Lincoln Memorial

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday Observation at the Lincoln Memorial

On February 12, the Trust was honored to join its National Park Service partners and the Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Committee for a public ceremony.

The event, featuring the recitation of the Gettysburg Address, honored what would have been President Lincoln's 217th birthday at the memorial built in his honor. 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, and this year’s event continues that tradition.

As part of the commemoration, National Park Service, National Mall and Memorial Parks, Superintendent Kevin Griess joined Major General Antoinette Gant to lay a wreath at the Lincoln Memorial to honor our 16th president. The ceremony also featured music by the brass quintet from the United States Navy Band.

As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary year, check out the National Mall Gateway digital learning platform - and dive into the history of our nation's founding and the stories behind the memorials on the National Mall. 

Photo: National Park Service