Birthday flowers for Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln Tomb hosts annual pilgrimage and wreath-laying to mark Lincoln's 205th birthday

[February 04, 2014]  SPRINGFIELD — On Feb. 12, members of American Legion Post 32 will make the 80th annual pilgrimage to Abraham Lincoln's tomb to honor the slain president on his birthday. The public is also welcome to attend.

The ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site. Wreaths from American Legion posts across the state and country will be placed at the tomb.

Dan Dellinger, the American Legion national commander, and Nancy Park-Brown, national president of the American Legion Auxiliary, will be keynote speakers for the ceremony. The Sound Celebration Chorus, part of Sweet Adelines International, will perform a few patriotic-themed songs.

The tomb is operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Along with the state's World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War memorials, the Lincoln Tomb is in Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery, at 1500 Monument Ave. All are open daily for free tours.

For more information, visit www.lincolntomb.org.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency]