Parade and Ceremonies Planned to Celebrate Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

In November 1863, the sixteenth president, Mr. Abraham Lincoln, came to a small Pennsylvania village town, still recovering from a three-day Civil War battle to dedicate a small piece of land. That land is the National Cemetery dedicated to the memories of those who have served our great nation, from Civil War through the Viet Nam Conflict. On November 19 & 20, 2004, Gettysburg invites you to pay your respects to the men and women who gave all so that we could become the country we are today. Several events are scheduled for the weekend.

November 19, the official date of the celebration of the Gettysburg Address offers a variety of activities. Dedication Day ceremonies will be held at the National Cemetery beginning at 10:15 AM with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Soldiers National Monument. At 10:30 AM, Mr. Frank J. Williams, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island and Founding Chairman of the Lincoln Forum, will speak on "Justice in Wartime; Learning from Lincoln". This event is free and open to the public.

That evening, a book signing will take place from 6:30-7:30 PM at the Gettysburg College Book Store. Author Kent Gramm and photographer Chris Heisey will be on hand to sign "Gettysburg: This Hallowed Ground". Beginning at 8 PM, the 2004 Fortenbaugh Lecture will offer a look at "Standing Tall: The Heroic Image of Abraham Lincoln" presented by Harold Holzer in the College Union Building at Gettysburg College. A public reception and book signing will follow in the Gettysburg College Union Building, first floor book store/lounge from 9-9:30 PM.

Saturday, November 20, the annual Remembrance Day Parade and ceremonies, sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans, begins at 1 PM. The parade features thousands of Civil War reenactors with ceremonies to follow at the Woolson Memorial and the High Water Mark. At 3 PM, the Federal City Brass Band and friends will present a free concert of Civil War brass band music at the American Civil War Museum. The concert will be dedicated to the memory of Don Hubbard, Civil War re-enactor and founder of the Eastern Field Music School, who passed away in December 2003 at the age of 60.

From 5:30 – 9:30 PM on Saturday evening, the Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg will host the second annual Remembrance Illumination at the Soldiers National Cemetery. The Friends will also have activities at the Rupp House on Baltimore Street from 4:30 – 9:30 PM. Anyone interested in sponsoring one of the 3,500 luminaries is encouraged to contact the Friends at 717-334-0772 or through their website at www.friendsofgettysburg.org.

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