Nov. 19, marks the anniversary of the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery. President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the cemetery’s dedication on Nov. 19, 1863.
On Saturday, Nov. 19, Dedication Day ceremonies commemorating the 159th anniversary of President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery will take place in the cemetery. The Dedication Day event will begin at 10:15 a.m. with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Soldiers’ National Monument, followed by the Dedication Day program at 10:30 a.m. at the cemetery Rostrum.
This year, the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania announced that award-winning author of books on Civil War history Dr. Allen C. Guelzo will deliver the keynote address. Historian Jon Meacham will present the Gettysburg Address with comments. Pre-eminent Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer will introduce Meacham at the podium during the ceremony. The program also features a U.S. Naturalization and Citizenship ceremony, welcoming a group of new citizens.
Sponsored by the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania in partnership with Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg College and the Gettysburg Foundation, the event is free and open to all. A limited number of seats will be available to the public, who are invited to bring lawn chairs. Parking for the event is provided at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center in Lot 3, with free shuttle service on Rabbittransit's Gold Line Shuttle to the cemetery. The Gold Line will operate from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. In the event of severe inclement weather, the program would relocate to Gettysburg College’s Majestic Theater, 25 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg.
To read more about the Dedication Day event and get up-to-date information, visit the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania online.