Lincoln Presidential Library honors the sacrifices of America’s veterans
Events include display on the ‘Fighting Powells’
 

[November 18, 2019]    The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will honor the sacrifices of America’s veterans with special events throughout November, including a display telling the story of the “Fighting Powells.”

The Powell family of Hillview, Ill., sent an amazing seven sons off to fight in World War II – so many that no available service flag had enough stars. The family had to sew on a seventh blue star before hanging the flag in the living room window.

That flag is on display through the end of the year, along with information about the Powell brothers and what happened to them during the war.

Other events and displays include a chance to see a handwritten copy of the Gettysburg Address, free admission on Veterans Day for veterans and active-duty personnel, a memorial flame, an evening of World War II memories and a visit by the last living Marine to receive the Medal of Honor in World War II.

Meanwhile, the special exhibit “In This Great Struggle: The Greatest Generation Remembers World War II” will run through Jan. 12.

Here are the details:

• Service flags were common during World War II – a way to show neighbors how many family members were in the service. Few flags anywhere in America could match the seven stars on the Powell flag in the central Illinois town of Hillview. The flag is now on display in the museum’s Treasures Gallery.

• Three people will reminisce with historian Mark DePue on Nov. 7 for “War Stories: An Evening of World War II Memories.” The trio – a former infantryman, tail gunner and “Rosie the Riveter” – will also take questions from the audience.

• On Nov. 11, Veterans Day, admission to the Lincoln Presidential Museum will be free for military veterans and active-duty personnel with proper identification. A special flame honoring veterans from all branches of the military will burn outside the museum entrance.

• Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, the most famous speech in American history, was delivered at the dedication of a military cemetery and focuses on the sacrifices of the men who fought at Gettysburg. One of the five remaining handwritten copies of the speech will be displayed at the museum from Nov. 14 through Dec. 2.

• Hershel “Woody” Williams is the last of the 82 Marines who earned the Medal of Honor during World War II. He visits on Dec. 3 for a special fundraising event to benefit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation.

To reserve seats for “War Stories” or buy tickets to the fundraiser with Williams, visit www.President Lincoln.Illinois.gov  and click on “special event reservations.”

The presidential library and museum uses a combination of rigorous scholarship and high-tech showmanship to immerse visitors in the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. The library holds an unparalleled collection of Lincoln books, documents, photographs, artifacts and art, as well as some 12 million items pertaining to all aspects of Illinois history.

For more information, visit www. PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. 

[Christopher Wills]