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Abraham Lincoln Association celebrates anniversary of Emancipation Proclamation and contributions of African-American soldiers

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[July 20, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Abraham Lincoln Association will host a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation on Aug. 3 in Springfield.

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:

  • 9 a.m. -- All-day encampment. Troop re-enactors including USCT will set up camp on the grounds of 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]

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