HR0418 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0418 LRB099 12067 MST 34720 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The 21st annual convention of the Association of Lincoln Presenters was held April 16-19, 2015 in Vandalia at the Historic Vandalia Statehouse; 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of the passing of the 16th President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln; and

WHEREAS, The Association of Lincoln Presenters is an organization of men and women dedicated to bringing Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln to life through presentations that educate, entertain, and inspire, as well as to preserving the legacy of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, to honor their words and works, and walk in their footsteps; and

WHEREAS, There are over 1,500 Abraham Lincoln sites available on the Internet; the Association of Lincoln Presenters brought 150 living "Lincolns" directly to the public, as seen on C-SPAN in the Lincoln-Douglas debates reenactment, and in schools, plays, historical societies, movies, parades, and celebrations throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, This year's convention included a Lincoln forum at the Statehouse, a Lincoln presenter parade along Gallatin Street, a cemetery walk back into history at the South Hill Cemetery, a Lincoln ball at the Moose Lodge #1447, a 'Drinkin' with Lincoln' social and surprise birthday party for the local Lincoln Presenter, Lewis "Abe" Clymer, at the Copper Penny Bar & Grille, and church services at the First Church of God; and

WHEREAS, The Historic Vandalia Statehouse is where Mr. Lincoln began his political career and made his first speech in opposition to the expansion of slavery; Vandalia was also a stop on the Underground Railroad to Freedom; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Association of Lincoln Presenters on a successful convention and thank them in their efforts to help inspire others and educate everyone on the history and impact of Abraham Lincoln to the City of Vandalia, the County of Fayette, the State of Illinois, the United States of America, and the world; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to all Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln, and Frederick Douglass presenters, as well as the other historical presenters portrayed in the historical cemetery walk, organizers, officials, and the Friends of the Vandalia Statehouse who helped to make this event a success.