By, Teresa Bonner (Pennlive)
Hopes that President Obama would be in Gettysburg Nov. 19 to take part in ceremonies commemorating the 150th anniversary of President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address were dashed Wednesday when the administration announced Obama will not attend.
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell will represent the administration, the National Park Service announced. She and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian James McPherson will share the keynote speaker role in the Dedication Day ceremony.
The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. in the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, and will also feature the U.S. Marine Band, “President Lincoln’s Own Band” from the movie “Lincoln,” Gov. Tom Corbett, and a reading of the Gettysburg Address by Lincoln impersonator James Getty. In addition, 16 new citizens will take the Oath of Allegiance.
The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and will last approximately 90 minutes. The event is free and no ticket is required, but because viewing space in the cemetery is limited, additional viewing areas for the simulcast will be provided on the lawn north of Meade’s Headquarters in Gettysburg National Military Park; at the Majestic Theater, 25 Carlisle St., and the Gateway Gettysburg Theater, 20 Presidential Circle.
To read the entire story, click here.
For a list of the events taking place today, click here.