Ninetieth Annual National American Legion Pilgrimage to the tomb of Abraham Lincoln February 11th and 12th

 

[February 06, 2024] 

The 90th Annual National American Legion Pilgrimage to the Tomb of Abraham Lincoln will be held in Springfield, Illinois, on February 11 and 12, 2024. Springfield Post #32, The American Legion and its Auxiliary organizations are sponsoring this event in commemoration of our 16th President’s Birthday. Springfield Post #32 is the only organization that has honored Mr. Lincoln on his actual birthday every year for 90 consecutive years.

2024 is the 90th consecutive year that this event has been sponsored by The American Legion Springfield Post #32. Daniel J. Seehafer, the National Commander of The American Legion, representing 2.4 million American War Veterans’, will head this year’s Pilgrimage.

Also present will be the following dignitaries: Past National President and Special Envoy Sharon Conatser, representing Lisa Williamson, National President of The American Legion Auxiliary, and Donald Hall jr., National Commander of The Sons of The American Legion.

Other national officers attending include Frank Campo, Chef de Chemin de Fer of the 40 and 8, Luella Buske, L’Aumonier Nationale of the 8 and 40, and Georgiann Callaway, National Director of the 20 and 4.

Additionally, Illinois officers including Commander Delmar Buske, The American Legion of Illinois; President Angie Golightly, The American Legion Auxiliary of Illinois; Commander Mike Vozar, The Sons of The American Legion of Illinois; Grande Chef de Gare Celeste Latham, the 40 and 8 of Illinois; Grande President Jan Martinka of the LaFemmes of Illinois; LeChapeau Departementale Karen Heller, of the Illinois 8 and 40.

Others attending include Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher; Brigadier General Mark Alessia of the Illinois National Guard; Illinois Representative Mike Coffey; Illinois State Senator Doris Turner; and Illinois State Senator Steve McClure. We will also have American Legionnaires, Auxiliary Members and The Sons of The American Legion Members from 13 states including Illinois, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin to celebrate Mr. Lincoln on his birthday.

The Commemoration will begin on Sunday evening, February 11, 2024, with an Open House at Springfield Post #32, 1120 Sangamon Avenue, from 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. The Mess Hall Restaurant will provide dinner service from 4:00 – 8:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

The Ceremony at Mr. Lincoln’s Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield will begin at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 12, 2024. National Officers and the various state delegations will place wreaths inside The Tomb.

Following the wreath placements, National Officers, Illinois Officers, and elected officials will make remarks commemorating Mr. Lincoln’s importance to our nation.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE PROGRAM FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024

8:00 AM American Legion Family Breakfast honoring our National Leaders with featured remarks by Past National President and Special Envoy Sharon Conatser, representing Lisa Williamson, National President of the American Legion Auxiliary. This event will be held in the President Abraham Lincoln Doubletree Hotel.

10:00 AM Pilgrimage motorcade departs from the President Abraham Lincoln Doubletree Hotel and journeys to the Tomb of Abraham Lincoln, Oak Ridge Cemetery for ceremonies and wreath placing.

10:30 AM Squadron 32 Commander Jim Peters will host the Tomb Ceremony to include: placing wreaths; vocals by Post 32 Legionnaire DeAnna Cagley; and remarks by dignitaries from inside of Mr. Lincoln’s Tomb, Oak Ridge Cemetery.

12:00 NOON The Springfield Municipal Band will perform in the ballroom of the President Abraham Lincoln Doubletree Hotel Springfield preceding and during the Lincoln Day Commemoration Luncheon. Post 32 Legionnaire, DeAnna Cagley will serve as vocalist for the National Anthem.

12:30 PM 90th Annual National American Legion Pilgrimage to the Tomb of Abraham Lincoln COMMEMORATION LUNCHEON, will be held at the President Abraham Lincoln Doubletree Hotel. American Legion National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer will be the keynote speaker.

[Visit Springfield with info provided by Bob Wesley, Pilgrimage General Chairman]