Lincoln Presidential Library honors the sacrifices of America’s
veterans
Events include display on the ‘Fighting
Powells’
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[November 22, 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.”
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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.
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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.
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• 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] |