Gettysburg to celebrate ‘Abe Days’

More than 160 years after President Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal address, the Gettysburg community will come together this year to mark the historic occasion with special events throughout November.

In Gettysburg, Nov. 19 is known as Dedication Day, the date when Lincoln came to Gettysburg in 1863 for the dedication of a new national cemetery — four months after the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Today, Gettysburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 6,000 U.S. soldiers and veterans, including over 3,500 Union soldiers who died at the Battle of Gettysburg.

On the 161st anniversary, this Nov. 19, the Dedication Day Ceremony will be held at Gettysburg National Cemetery beginning at 10:30 a.m. The program will include a reading of the Gettysburg Address, wreath-laying, music, a U.S. Naturalization and Citizenship ceremony, and guest speakers.

Re-enactors in period attire will march through downtown Gettysburg on Nov. 16 for the 68th annual Remembrance Day Parade, starting at noon. The event honors those who gave their lives during the Civil War.

Following the parade, the Remembrance Day Illumination will take place at Gettysburg National Cemetery from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 16. Luminary candles will be placed at the grave of each Civil War soldier, creating a beautiful and solemn tribute to the fallen. The names of each soldier will be read aloud throughout the night.

Dedication Day and Remembrance Day events are free and open to the public.

Throughout November, visitors can trace the footsteps of Lincoln’s journey through this historic small town. Begin at the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station, where the 16th president arrived by train. The site offers a virtual reality experience, Ticket to the Past—Unforgettable Journeys, where visitors can get a glimpse of Lincoln’s arrival and follow the stories of historic figures. From the train station, walk to Lincoln Square to see the David Wills House where Lincoln spent the night and put the finishing touches on the Gettysburg Address. Walk or take a short drive from Lincoln Square to Gettysburg National Cemetery, where Lincoln delivered his famous speech. End the trek outside Gettysburg Presbyterian Church, where Lincoln attended a patriotic service following the cemetery dedication.

“All these years after President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, that pivotal moment in history continues to draw visitors to our town,” Destination Gettysburg President and CEO Karl Pietrzak said. “Lincoln’s inspiring words are remembered around the world, but only in Gettysburg can you stand where that history was made.”

Throughout November, Gettysburg will honor Lincoln with Abe Days, a month-long celebration featuring special events, programs, exhibits at local museums and more. Discover more at DestinationGettysburg.com/Abe-Days.