American Legion completes 90th annual pilgrimage to Lincoln's Tomb

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — This year, more than 300 people traveled to Lincoln's tomb in honor of his birthday. The 16th president was born on Feb. 12, 1809. The tomb visit is part of a multi-day event organized by the American Legion Post 32 in Springfield.

The festivities included an open house at the legion, a pilgrimage trip to the Lincoln Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery, and a luncheon at the President Abraham Lincoln Doubletree Hotel.

Post 32 has traveled to Lincoln's tomb for 90 years straight. This is a tradition that started in 1935.

"Our World War One vets from Springfield Post 32 decided they want to honor Abraham Lincoln all day on his birthday," said Michael Walton, the past Commander of Springfield Post 32. "So this year is the 90th consecutive year in a row we have honored Mr. Lincoln on his birthday."

The Springfield Municipal Band performed a collection of patriotic songs and several legion officials spoke. Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher said these types of events are a great way to share knowledge and commemorate the former president.

"It is great to see so many people celebrating Lincoln, and we have people at this event from American Legions from 13 different states," said Buscher. "A lot of people may not know this, but Oak Ridge cemetery here in Springfield is the second most visited cemetery in the nation after Arlington National Cemetery."

The Legion is already planning for next year's event, which will take place on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.