 The ALA, the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation, the Lincoln
Home National Historic Site and the Old State Capitol State Historic
Site are partnering in support of this ongoing celebration. Support
has also been provided by the Looking for Lincoln Heritage
Coalition, the Sangamon County Historical Society and the city of
Springfield.
The program "Lincoln, 'Colored' Warriors and the Spirit of
Freedom" follows the highly successful "Watch Night" and "Freedom's
First Day" programs commemorating the evening 150 years ago when the
faithful gathered in homes, churches and open fields, watching and
waiting for word that President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation
Proclamation. It also celebrates the "Come Join Us Brothers" program
on Feb. 12, which emphasized development of youth leadership skills.
Both sets of programs depict historic events -- from slavery to
freedom -- reminding older audiences and teaching younger ones the
importance of understanding their nation's heritage.
The Aug. 3 program will focus on the role of the United States
Colored Troops and the slaves' contribution to what President
Lincoln termed the nation's "new birth of freedom." George Buss as
President Lincoln will address his critics, who did not agree with
his issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, which allowed for the
enlistment of "colored soldiers."
The celebration is planned to commemorate those who served and
bring awareness of their contributions.
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Scheduled programs at the Old State Capitol:
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9:30 a.m. -- The question to be addressed is, "Will the slave and
the free man fight for Union and Freedom?" This presentation will
include the re-enactment of President Lincoln signing the
Emancipation Proclamation, followed by "Letters from the Front" --
letters written by African-American soldiers, sailors and white
officers engaged in military campaigns.
-
11 a.m. -- Featured speaker, Hari Jones, director of the African
American Civil War Memorial, Washington, D.C.
-
1 p.m. -- George Buss as President Lincoln faces down critics of
his proclamation emancipating the slaves and allowing
African-Americans to fight for the Union and freedom.
-
3:30 p.m. -- Youth march in honor of the 29th Illinois United
States Colored Troops arrives at Old State Capitol State Historic
Site from Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
Scheduled program at Oak Ridge Cemetery:
- 4 p.m. -- Wreath-laying honoring the United States Colored Troops
and the Grand Army of the Republic.
For further information, visit
www.abrahamlincolnassociation.org.
[Text from
Abraham Lincoln
Association news release received from the
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency] |
