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Writer's pictureJohn O’Brien

Lincoln Memorial Centennial Program

Here is the latest on Plans for the May 22 event

February 12, 2021

Dramatic View of The Century Old Lincoln Memorial at Night


The Board of the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia and President David Kent have made great progress in putting together a memorable event for the weekend of May 22, 2022 to re-dedicate the grandest monument on the National Mall, the Memorial to Abraham Lincoln. Under the theme of "Building on Lincoln’s Vision of Unity and Equality," here is the program assembled to date. Time will be 10 a.m. to noon, May, 22, 2022, at the Memorial.


Dr. Charlotte P. Morris, president of Tuskegee University, is the renowned leader of this outstanding Historically Black University (HBCU) in Alabama. She has agreed to give an address that will continue the service performed by her predecessor, Dr. Robert Moton in 1922. Dr. Moton was the successor to the founder of Tuskegee, Booker T. Washington. Moton spoke at the original dedication when he attempted to call out the role Abraham Lincoln played in Emancipation and promoting racial equality. He was among the first to describe 1619 and the arrival of the first enslaved African people in Virginia as a seminal moment in American history. The Memorial was built to honor Lincoln as the Savior of the Nation and does not acknowledge the equally great accomplishment of ending slavery. Moton's remarks were edited and limited by the host committee. We look forward to Dr. Morris sharing thoughts on the meaning of the Memorial for American society today.


U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Director of the National Park Service Charles Sams III will represent government and coordinate the activities. Haaland is the first Native American to lead the Department of the Interior, bringing its own significance to this Lincoln event. Rev. Dr. Sarah Johnson will give the invocation and represent New York Avenue Presbyterian Church where the Lincolns attended services. Her predecessor Dr. Wallace Radcliffe led prayers at the original dedication.


Historian Harold Holzer, author of Monument Man, the definitive book on the Memorial and its creator, Daniel Chester French will review the history. Edna Greene Medford, an authority on the Emancipation Proclamation, will present context and give her thoughts on the Memorial today.


There will be a musical performance by singer Felicia Curry who will recreate Marian Anderson's 1939 performance at the Memorial of "My Country, 'Tis of Thee." Actor Stephen Lang will give dramatic recitations appropriate for the day.


Music and flag ceremonies will be by the United States Marine Band Brass Quintet, the U.S. Military District Color Guard, and the U.S. Colored Troops from the African American Civil War Museum.


Other speakers and events are in discussion. There will be Lincoln-themed tours of the Lafayette Square area on Saturday, May 21. Special film showings at the American Film Institute (AFI) Theater in Silver Spring are being planned. There is still time to suggest your ideas for the program or the weekend. Use the contact form in this website.


The Lincoln Group is excited to have this opportunity to lead the programming for this highly significant event. We hope you will plan to join us in Washington for on weekend of May 21-22.


We are grateful for the contributions already received to defray the costs of the event. We need additional support and invite you to use the Donate button above to access the Paypal or credit card option, or to get the mailing address, for your gift.

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