Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1962-02-09
LincoIn's Birthday

Forty years ago the Lin
coin Memorial which, accord
ing to statistics, is visited by
more tourists than any other
point in our city, was dedi-
Gated. On that occasion Pres
ident Harding and Chief JUS
tice Taft took leading part
in the ceremonies which had
been organized by the Mill
tary Order of the Loyal
Legion. Each year thereafter,
a very fitting ceremony has
been held at the memorial
at noon on February IL. Each
year, until about five years
ago, the President of the United
States has attended the cere-
mony and placed a wreath on
the great statue of Lincoln.
President Roosevelt was I'M
able to climb the stairs but
always stood at attention at
the bottom while his military
aide made the ascent. When
General Eisenhower became
President, he followed this
same course for two or three
years and then began sending
his wreath in the care of a
General of the Army. Last
year, President Kennedy fol-
lowed the same method and
sent his wreath with the Com
mander of the Military Dis
trict of Washington. It hap
pened that the date fell on a
Sunday and this was his first
weekend at Glen Ora. Since
he had just moved into his
new office, it was understand
able that his staff simply
followed whatever had been
done the previous year. How
ever, it is sincerely hoped that
this year, President Kennedy
will take a half hour from
his busy schedule to honor
one of the greatest Presidents
in our history. 1t is a very
moving ceremony and I have
always been inspired by it.
The Secretary of the Interior,
the Dean Of the Diplomatic
Corps, a City Commissioner,
and several patriotic societies
present wreaths. The Marine
Band plays admirably and the
Gordon of troops represent
ing the four armed services
are handsome. Among the
colors and their guards there
are Union and Confederate
uniforms.
After all, when Lincoln came
to the Presidency, he also
brought a new frontier.
President Kennedy has shown
a great knowledge and inter-
est in American history and
I am sure that he could not
help but be stirred, as others
are, by the recital of the words
of that short speech made
at Gettysburg as they are re-
lpeated from the steps of this
great memorial. Let us hope
that he will revive the tradi-
ton this February IL by plac-
ing his wreath personally.
Fred Hunt.
4 4
The coming celebration of
Mr.. Lincoln's brit h day
prompts me to offer a true
story which I believe has
never been in print.
My father-John Morris of
this city-Who was at times
a newspaper man and later
one Of Boss Shepherds assist
ants, was one of a small group
who appeared in front of the
Executive Mansion to hear a
short talk by President Lin
coin.
It was a pleasant afternoon
after the war and the win
dow of the room on the second
floor from which the Presi-
dent spoke was, Of course, wide
open as was that Of one i'm
mediately adjoining in which
Mrs. Lincoln and some Of her
feminine friends were chat
ting.
Their animated converse
ton and laughter finally be-
came so noticeable that the
President told his attendant
to go to the adjoining room
and request the ladies to be
more quiet.
Father told me this was re-
peated twice with but tenn
porary relief and finally Mr..
Lincoln excused himself and
personally requested the ladies
to withdraw which they event.
ually did and the President
finished his talk.
Henry Curtis Morris.