Ceremony to mark anniversary of Lincoln’s death
‘Day of Remembrance’ on April 15 features music, military jets, keynote by Tom Dreesen

[April 13, 2015]  SPRINGFIELD – One hundred fifty years after Abraham Lincoln’s death, he will be remembered with a special ceremony outside the presidential library dedicated to his life. The ceremony includes a flag presentation by sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln, a fly-over by Navy jets and appearances by humorist Tom Dreesen and Chicago Blackhawks anthem singer Jim Cornelison.

The free event April 15 also includes remarks by Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, an appearance by one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, music from a military band and a 21-gun salute followed by “Taps.”

“Abraham Lincoln: A Day of Remembrance” takes place at noon on Wednesday, April 15, in Springfield’s Union Square Park. It is presented by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation in collaboration with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

The Lincoln Presidential Library is marking the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s death, as well as the anniversaries of the Civil War’s end and his funeral, with a series of special events and museum exhibits.

The memorial service honors Lincoln’s rich and enduring legacy. It will include:

• a keynote address by Tom Dreesen
  • the presentation and retirement of colors by the Illinois Air National Guard’s 183rd Fighter Wing
• invocation and benediction by Pastor Dr. Clifford Hayes of Springfield’s First Presbyterian Church (the church the Lincolns attended)
• music by the Shades of Blue Brass of the Air Force Band of Mid-America
• a performance by tenor Jim Cornelison, who sings the national anthem at Chicago Blackhawks games
• remarks by Gov. Rauner
• appearance by Lawton “Wilk” Wilkerson, one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen
• flag presentation by sailors of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier
• a two-ship flyover by Navy aviators
• presentation of the “caparisoned horse,” the riderless horse with boots turned backwards in the stirrups, provided by Kel Equine Productions.

Dreesen, born and raised in Harvey, Ill., is best known for his work as a stand-up comedian, but he is also an inspiring motivational speaker and a Navy veteran who performs for U.S. troops all over the world. In 2005, Dreesen received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his humanitarian service to America.

Jim Cornelison performs “The Star-Spangled Banner” for the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks. Jim began singing for the team in 1996. He was asked to serve as the sole anthem singer for the Blackhawks starting with the 2008–2009 season.

“Abraham Lincoln: A Day of Remembrance” is an event for members of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation that is also free and open to the public. It is made possible in part through the generous financial support of Wells Fargo Advisors of St. Louis, Mo., and Levi, Ray & Shoup Inc. of Springfield, IL.

For more information about the event, visit www.alplm.org.

[Chris Wills, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum]