Lincoln Presidential Library honors veterans
Special memorial displays, free admission to Lincoln museum for veterans Nov. 11
 

[November 07, 2017]  SPRINGFIELD – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will honor the nation’s military with a special memorial flame, a presentation by a former Navy admiral and free admission on Veterans Day for military personnel and Gold Star families.

The special events begin Nov. 10, when a wreath will be placed in the museum’s main plaza and a flame honoring all branches of the U.S. military services will be lit outside the building. In addition, the museum’s exterior will feature special lighting in honor of service members past and present.

These special features will continue through Nov. 13

And on Veterans Day itself, Saturday, Nov. 11, the museum will offer free admission to current and past military personnel, as well as to Gold Star families – those who have lost a member in combat. They will also receive a $10 discount on membership in the ALPLM foundation.

A representative from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to talk to veterans about services the agency offers.

Veterans Day also includes a free presentation by Admiral Nils (Ron) Thunman, a pioneering nuclear submariner who served in the Navy from 1954 to the mid-1980s. His career highlights include command of the nuclear attack submarine Plunger, command of the entire Pacific submarine fleet, a tour as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Submarine Warfare (where he helped field the Tomahawk missile and find the RMS Titanic), and Chief of Naval Education and Training.

Dr. Mark DePue, head of the Lincoln Presidential Library’s Oral History Program, will talk to Thunman about such topics as Hyman Rickover (father of the nuclear navy), his experiences trailing Soviet subs and patrolling the oceans, and the role of ballistic and attack subs in winning the Cold War.

The discussion begins at 11 a.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room of the library (112 N. Sixth St., Springfield) and will include a question-and-answer session. For reservations, visit www.President Lincoln.Illinois.gov  and click on “special event reservations.”

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to telling the story of America’s 16th president through old-fashioned scholarship and modern technology. It also serves as the state historical library.

The library holds an unparalleled collection of Lincoln material, as well as some 12 million items pertaining to other aspects of Illinois history. Meanwhile, the museum uses traditional exhibits, eye-catching special effects and innovative story-telling techniques to educate visitors.

[Christopher Wills]