SPRINGFIELD – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will thank military veterans for their service to the country by offering them free admission on Veterans Day.
The special day will also feature a performance by a military band, the Airlifter Brass, and a memorial flame burning outside the museum.
“President Lincoln wrote that we should give ‘honor to the soldier and the sailor everywhere who bears his country’s cause.’ The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is proud to do its small part in giving that honor,” said Christina Shutt, the ALPLM’s executive director. “We hope everyone who visits us that day will reflect on the sacrifices made by America’s veterans.”
Military veterans and active-duty personnel who want to take advantage of free admission on Nov. 11 should bring some form of military ID.
The Airlifter Brass, which performs 2-3 p.m., is part of the Mid-America Air Force Band at Scott Air Force Base. With the traditional instrumentation of two trumpets, French horn, trombone and tuba plus percussion, the ensemble is known for its versatility and outstanding musicianship. Each Airlifter Brass program is thoughtfully planned for a blend of inspiration and entertainment.
The memorial flame outside the museum features the emblems of America’s military branches and quotes from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: “… that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.”
Additionally, guests may view compelling videos featuring first-person accounts of important moments during World War II throughout the day in "Mr. Lincoln's Theater," located adjacent to the museum's plaza. The videos were originally shown during the run of our 2019 exhibit, "In This Great Struggle: The Greatest Generation Remembers World War II.”
ALPLM visitors must wear face masks, regardless of their vaccination status. We also ask visitors to stay one “Lincoln” apart – 6 feet, 4 inches, the equivalent of President Lincoln’s height.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum uses a combination of rigorous scholarship and high-tech showmanship to immerse visitors in Lincoln’s life and times. The library holds an unparalleled collection of Lincoln books, documents, photographs, artifacts and art, as well as some 12 million items pertaining to all aspects of Illinois history.