|
 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.
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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]
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