The American Legion Family attend 89th annual pilgrimage for the nation’s 16th president.
Most historians agree that family was a high priority for President Lincoln, which made the American Legion Family’s expanded role in the 89th annual pilgrimage for the nation’s 16th president particularly significant.
“The keynote speaker at our reception is Sons of The American Legion National Commander Christopher Carlton. The keynote speaker at our breakfast is American Legion Auxiliary National President Vickie Koutz and our keynote speaker at the Lincoln Birthday Luncheon is American Legion National Vice Commander Patricia Harris,” Past National Commander and current Illinois Department Adjutant Marty Conatser said during the American Legion Family leadership reception Saturday. “We wanted all of our family members to play an important role.”
American Legion Post 32 in Springfield, Ill., has led the longest running annual observance held on Lincoln’s birthday since 1935. Over the years, national political leaders, state dignitaries, local officials and American Legion Family members from around the country have gathered at the president’s tomb on Feb. 12 and attended related events conducted by Post 32 and the Department of Illinois.
Alluding to Lincoln’s early failed campaigns for political office, Carlton suggested that Americans emulate the president’s determination to succeed. “He was defeated many times, but he kept going,” Carlton said at his tomb. “He was honest, he was funny, he had a sense of humor. I hope we can all be like Abraham Lincoln and remember that everything is possible in America.”
“Lincoln had many great character qualities, but a few of them always stand out when his name is mentioned,” Koutz said. “Honesty, empathy and humility. Lincoln worked for the betterment of others and in the interest of others over self. Does that concept sound familiar? American Legion Auxiliary members answer the call of ‘service not self’ every day for our nation’s heroes and their families. Humility was a strong part of Lincoln and is a strong part of our organization.”
Sons of The American Legion Squadron 32 Commander James Peters Jr., served as master of ceremony for the observance at the tomb Sunday morning. “Today we celebrate President Lincoln’s birthday and commemorate his central role in building America,” Peters said. “President Lincoln and his veterans freed millions from slavery, thus purging an ugly, cruel and inhumane blot for our national character. Moreover, he preserved our union. Freedom is not free.”
Harris said that she believes Lincoln would be pleased to see her speak at his tomb. “One hundred and fifty-eight years after his death, a Black female from the South is representing the largest veterans organization as a national officer at a ceremony honoring his life.”
After quoting a passage from the Emancipation Proclamation freeing the slaves, Harris said, “These words codified the famous phrase from the Declaration of Independence that ‘All men are created equal.’ It is a phrase that is still evolving today – toward women and people of all ethnicities.”
Noting that Lincoln had a difficult life that included the loss of close family members, Harris compared his personal struggles with what many veterans face today.
“Too many veterans today are suffering from their own depression,” she said. “They feel isolated and alone. Like nobody understands them. This is where The American Legion can step in. We do understand them. We have worn the uniform. Many of us have endured similar experiences. Since 9/11, we have lost nearly triple the veterans to suicide than were lost in battle during the Vietnam War. Some estimates are of 17-per-day, and I have seen estimates of more than 40-per-day. Rather than focus on statistics, let’s just focus on one. We all know that one is too many. Let’s be the one, to save that one veteran’s life.”
Due to his service as a member of the Illinois militia, Harris stated that if The American Legion existed during Lincoln’s lifetime, the president probably would have joined.
“With full confidence, I believe that if Lincoln were alive today – and eligible, of course – that he would be a proud member of our American Legion Family. Our legacy, after all, is an extension of his legacy.”
- Honor & Remembrance