American Legionnaires gather at Lincoln Tomb on President Lincoln’s 215th birthday

Posted on February 12, 2024
Monday marked President Lincoln’s 215th birthday. (Photo courtesy: Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The American Legion lauded Springfield’s favorite son at Lincoln’s Tomb Monday morning, on the 215th anniversary of his birth.

“Freedom is not free,” said James Peters, Squadron 32 commander of the Sons of the American Legion in Springfield. “Today we celebrate President Lincoln’s birthday and commemorate his central role in building America. President Lincoln and his veterans freed millions of slaves, thus purging an ugly, cruel, and inhumane blot from our national character.”

American Legion national commander Daniel Seehafer referred to the legend above Lincoln’s grave: “When President Lincoln died, Edwin Stanton, his war secretary, said, ‘Now he belongs to the ages.’ What makes Lincoln so beloved is the fact that he really does belong to the ages – but, really, to any age.”

Seehafer added we sure could use Lincoln right about now.

The 90th annual pilgrimage brought Legionnaires from thirteen states, a record.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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