National Commander LaCoursiere delivers keynote addresses during Illinois Post 32’s annual Lincoln Pilgrimage.
As American Legion Family leaders from throughout the Midwest gathered for the 91st annual pilgrimage to the 16th president’s tomb, Abraham Lincoln’s hometown of Springfield, Ill., received an abundance of kudos.
After laying a wreath on behalf of President Trump, the Illinois Assistant Adjutant General of the National Guard referenced Lincoln’s affection for Springfield. “Lincoln said, ‘I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him,’” said Brig. Gen. Lenny A. Williams.
National Commander James A. LaCoursiere, Jr., delivered keynote addresses at both the remembrance at President Lincoln’s Tomb at Oak Ridge and a subsequent luncheon hosted by Springfield Post 32 and the Department of Illinois February 12.
Recalling Lincoln’s promise that “the Union will endure forever,” LaCoursiere brought up The American Legion’s role in delivering that promise.
“Through our four pillars, The American Legion has ensured since 1919 that the Union has been worth preserving,” he said. “That it is indeed a union with ‘a government of the people, by the people, for the people’ and that it ‘shall not perish from the earth.’ Lincoln died before The American Legion was created. But through us, his legacy and vision live on.”
The need to create a more perfect union was emphasized by American Legion Auxiliary National President Trish Ward. “As we reflect and celebrate the life of our 16th president, it is important to remember that his time in office transformed our nation for the better, making it a place where all people are valued, not just a chosen few. He left a legacy that strengthened the role of president as commander-in-chief and is remembered for expanding both the Army and Navy, thereby enhancing our country’s military readiness. Today, we celebrate his vision that all are created equal and praise his vindication of democracy which most definitely gave hope and desire for a more perfect union,” Ward said.
The Lincoln Pilgrimage in Springfield has been conducted by Post 32 every year since 1935, making it the longest running annual event honoring his birthday.
Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher noted the efforts put forth by Post 32 and the Illinois Legion Family. “This tradition is a powerful testimony to all of our respect and admiration for one of our most revered figures in Springfield,” she said. “Springfield will always take pride in being the home of Abraham Lincoln and we are thankful to The American Legion’s commitment in preserving his legacy, year-after-year.”
Sons of The American Legion National Commander Joseph Navarreté said that the SAL is committed to delivering on Lincoln’s legacy.
“Lincoln’s promise to take care of our veterans is reflected in the great works of the Sons of The American Legion,” Navarreté said. “The Sons’ mission is to support our veterans, as well as their families. We have done so through record donations to the Veterans & Children Foundation and the Child Well-being Foundation.”
Though Lincoln’s heralded accomplishments received much attention at the Pilgrimage, his approachability and humble nature were also common themes.
He was uniter,” said Illinois State Sen. Steve McClure. “And let us not forget that his accomplishments extend beyond leading the Union to victory in the Civil War. During his time in office, he established the United States Department of Agriculture, he signed the Homestead Act and signed the bill forming the Secret Service on the very day that he was assassinated.
“While it is important to remember his great historical achievements, it is also important to remember who he was as a person,” McClure continued. “He remained a man of the people, just as he was when he left this city for the last time. Today, we honor President Lincoln as our greatest president and our favorite resident. God bless President Lincoln.”
- Honor & Remembrance