Elmhurst dedicates this parade Elmhurst’s 101st Annual to the men and women who serve Memorial Day Parade our nation in time of war and peace

“Always Remember” Monday, May 27, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. Their Sacrifices cannot go unnoticed; in Downtown Elmhurst their courage unappreciated To those who served we owe so much —our liberty, our freedom, our democracy/ Our way of life exits today because of what they did.

To those who gave when asked, to those who came when called, To those who served when needed, to those who died to defend...

We Give Our Thanks

2019 Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade Committee

Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187 City of Elmhurst John A. Scudder Police Department Ralph P. Pechanio (Parade Co-Chair) Police Chief Michael Ruth Sergeant-At-Arms William R. Shanklin Sgt. Steve Mandat Secretly deployed during the Gulf War, U.S. Army Capt. Lori Tompos commanded Senior Vice Commander Rus Strahan a PATRIOT Missile System Battery as an artillery with the 42nd Army Air Fire Department and Missle Defense Command (AADCOM). Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry Fire Chief Thomas K. Freeman Deputy Fire Chief Bill Anaszewicz President and CEO John R. Quigley (Parade Co-Chair) Student Interns Anna Miles and Lesly Aviles Department of Public Works Tony Cuzzone Elmhurst College Post-Parade Military Ceremony Veteran Support Coordinator Jacob Hill True Patriots Care Veterans Memorial, Wilder Park President Jerry Christopherson Elmhurst Park District Facility Supervisor Mike Monell York Radio Club Ken Kalan Event funding provided by Elmhurst Veterans Memorial Commission Chairman Ralph P. Pechanio (Parade Co-Chair) William R. Shanklin Mike Monell Memorial Day Military Ceremony Veterans Memorial, Wilder Park Special Thanks For Assisting Our Organizers Prelude Dismiss the Rifle Squad City of Elmhurst Elmhurst Park District Musical Selections by Antioch Brass Quintet and Mayor Steve Morley Executive Director Jim Rogers Brian Costello, Shannon Rovers Memorial Day Speaker Elmhurst Mayor Steve Morley City Clerk Patty Spencer Chief Horticulturalist Dave Price Bugle Call Assembly City Treasurer Elaine Libovicz Facilities Supervisor Mike Monell Musical Selection City Manager James Grabowski Park Board of Commissioners Post the Color Guard and Rifle Squad by Men of Spirito! Assistant City Manager Michael Kopp President Vince Spaeth Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187 Administrative Secretaries Vice President Kevin Graf Introduction of Military Officers Ellen Cyprian, Jenny Foxe and Breanne White Doug Ennis Post KIA Flag William R. Shanklin Mary E. Kies Jeff Agonath, Viet Now, DuPage County Chapter City Council Aldermen Claire Kubiesa Grand Marti Deuter (1st Ward) Pledge of Allegiance Lori Tompos, Capt., U.S. Army (Retired) Tim Sheehan Mark Sabatino (1st Ward) John Scudder, Commander, Introduction and Banner Presentation by Carolyn Ubriaco Norman Leader (2nd Ward) Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187 Parade Committee Co-Chairs Special Recognition: The Meaning of THB Bob Dunn (2nd Ward) John R. Quigley, Elmhurst Chamber, and rd Elmhurst Schools Ralph P. Pechanio, Chair, Elmhurst Veterans Dannee Polomsky (3 Ward) Musical Selection rd Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Memorial Commission Michael Bram (3 Ward) The Spangled Banner by Men of Spirito! th York Community High School Kevin York (4 Ward) th Musical Selections Noel Talluto (4 Ward) Elmhurst Scouts Welcome by bagpiper Brian Costello and Men of Spirito! th Tina Park (5 Ward) William R. Shanklin – Master of Ceremonies Scott Levin (5th Ward) Elmhurst Veterans Rus Strahan, Senior Vice Commander, Wreath Laying (In Mass) Jim Kennedy (6th Ward) Memorial Commission THB Post 187 – Officer of the Day Branch Songs by Antioch Brass Quintet th Robert F. Bracki, , U.S. Army Michael Honquest (6 Ward) Chairman Ralph P. Pechanio Memorial Day Prayer & Comments Mike Brennan (7th Ward) Reverend Stanley Harding Martin Jensen, Colonel, U.S. Army th General John Wendel, U.S. Air Force John Burch, 1st Lieutenant, U.S. Army, WWII Mark A. Mulliner (7 Ward) Mike Monell John Wendel, Brigadier General, U.S. Air Force Mark A. Mulliner Introduction of Special Guest Fire Department William R. Shanklin Michael J. O’Koniewski, Lt. Colonel, U.S. Air Fire Chief Thomas K. Freeman Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United Force Paul V. Tilton States (as portrayed by Kevin Wood) Michael R. Bracki, , U.S. Air Force Police Department David A. Frey, Commander, USNR Police Chief Michael Ruth Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst Special Presentation Edwin H. Walker IV, Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Parade ) Alan Haraf, Master Chief, U.S. Coast Guard Public Works Department True Patriots Care Director Howard Killian Military Chauffers Jerry Christopherson, President Other Wreaths by Role of Remembrance Capt. Stephen Tompos (Grand Marshal) Mayor Morley Comcast Cable Services John Burch (U.S. Army) Musical Selection American Legion Elmhurst Our Kind of Town Paul Koch of Larry Roesch Family Auto Group by Brian Costello American Legion Auxiliary Producer Joe Piscitelli (U.S. Air Force) Special Recognition Dan Kordik (U.S. Navy) Cannon Volley Elmhurst College Ahlgrim Funeral Home, Gibbons Funeral Home Tom Becvar (U.S. Marines) 2nd Kentucky Cavalry, Co. D– Office of Facilities Management And Pedersen-Ryberg Mortuary Civil War re-enactors Rob Chana (U.S. Coast Guard) Reading of the names of the deceased by Bruce Mather, Executive Director John R. Quigley, President and CEO, Jacob Hill, Veteran Support Coordinator Benediction Parade Announcers Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry Reverend Stanley Harding, Pastor Emeritus, Ken Bartels, Community Bank of Elmhurst York Community High School Band drummer Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Immanuel Lutheran Church Tony Cuzzone, Department of Public Works, Special prayer honoring our deceased war veterans Rifle Squad 3 Round Volley Student Veterans Elmhurst Elmhurst Police Department members Musical Selection (Parade Marshals) Vitals Signs USA, Inc. by Chorus of DuPage Don Meyers Taps York Community High School Band trumpeters Retire the Colors Army Is Grand Marshal A Day of Remembrance in Elmhurst

The Grand Marshal for Elmhurst’s 101st Memorial Day Parade is Parade musical and/or drill groups Elmhurst resident Lori Kristine Hess Tompos, a Desert Storm and Gulf All About The Parade Some 90 entries (see centerspread) Monday, May 27, will be are the Antioch Brass Quintet, Carver War combat veteran while serving as a United States Army Captain in Military Academy Drill Team and Drum Air Defense Artillery—the first female Grand Marshal in this Parade’s will march in Elmhurst’s 101st Annual a day of remembrance in Memorial Day Parade, led by Grand Corps, Celebration Brass, Chicago storied history. Elmhurst—to honor the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Chorus of “I am very appreciative and humbled by the choice to have me Marshal Lori Tompos, a Desert Storm and Gulf War combat veteran in the men and women of our DuPage, Patton Academy (Farragut represent our awesome Elmhurst community in the Memorial Day Parade Career Academy) JROTC Drill and as the Grand Marshal,” stated Capt. Tompos. United States Army and resident of nation’s armed forces, Elmhurst. Drums Team and West Town Chorus. Among the first women to serve in combat, then-Lieutenant Tompos both past and present. The parade will step off at 9:30 a.m. commanded a PATRIOT Missile System Battery as an artillery officer Capt. Tompos is the first female to nd Memorial Day reminds from York Road and Third Street, and with the 32 Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AADCOM) serve as the Parade’s Grand Marshal. The 2019 Parade is presented by us that the freedoms we concludes with a Military Ceremony at deployed out of Germany. Her active duty ran from May of 1989 to June the Veterans Memorial in Wilder Park. of 1992, followed by service in the U.S. Army Reserves into January of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Elmhurst American Legion so often take for granted Starting from Third Street, the parade 1994. will head south on York Street to “I am proud of my service to our country,” stated Capt. Tompos, THB Post 187, City of Elmhurst and were purchased through Elmhurst Park District. Second Street, veer east along Robert “and proud to lead the teams with which I had the privilege of working.” the sacrifices of brave Palmer Drive through the underpass and Capt. Tompos also was among the first 800-some women to graduate American Legion THB Post 187 is also celebrating its Centennial in 2019. men and women west back to York Street, south on York from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point (1985-89), where she Street to Church Street, west on Church earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Members of the Kiwanis Club of throughout America’s Elmhurst will again serve as Parade Street to Prospect Avenue and north on As the first person from her unit and her Brigade deployed to the Gulf history. Prospect Avenue past the Veterans War, then-Lt. Tompos was tasked with the classified “SECRET” mission Marshals—assisted by Veterans of Elmhurst College—and also will march Memorial. of setting up a PATRIOT Missile site, as part of an advanced party that included 11 infantrymen assigned to secure a perimeter and protect her. carrying their giant U.S. flag. Then-Lt. Tompos was among the few officers certified in the Ralph P. Pechanio, Chairman of the Elmhurst Veterans Post-Parade Memorial PATRIOT, so she was given charge of the “day shift” at the missile site, Memorial Commission and a long-time member of the The Military Ceremony (see inside back cover) at the Capt. Lori Tompos as West Point graduate... whose 150 soldiers were tasked with protecting an airbase and members Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst, and John R. Quigley, Elmhurst Veterans Memorial will feature inspirational of the Saudi Arabia Royal family. Elmhurst Chamber President and CEO, are the Parade speeches by Elmhurst Mayor Steve Morley and others, Capt. Tompos attributed her “very effective” style of leadership style to the combination of “a gift from God and good Co-Chairs, since 1997 and 2000, respectively. the laying of wreaths by military personnel and civilians, training.” “Our parade is a tribute to all those men and women and a traditional Three-Round Volley. In spite of her combat command, then-Lt. Tompos was forbidden from speaking directly who have so bravely put their lives on the line to defend Patriotic music will be performed by the Antioch Brass to or even look eye-to-eye with the Saudi men with whom she was tasked to work. individual freedoms here in this greatest of nations and Quintet and bagpiper Brian Costello of the Shannon “Being in a Combat Arms Branch and being a woman was a challenge,” stated Capt. around the world,” said Quigley. Rovers, and sung by the Chorus of DuPage and Men of Tompos. “And it’s only fitting that the second century of our Spitito!. Capt. Tompos is both Air Assault qualified (having rappelled out of helicopters, off community’s commitment to ‘Always Remember’ those The names of Elmhurst area veterans who passed of cliffs and down buildings and Airborne qualified (having parachute jumped out of in uniform is led by a female Grand Marshal.” he added. away since Veterans Day 2018 will be read aloud in airplanes). Members of the Elmhurst Chamber will carry the remembrance, from the lists provided by Ahlgrim Funeral Among her military honors are two Army Commendation Awards, Army Achievement Presentation Banner. Home, Gibbons Funeral Home and Pedersen-Ryberg Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service, Overseas Service, Southwest Asia This year’s entries include five color guards, retired Mortuary. Service Medal, Humanitarian Service, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (from the Kuwaiti military officers from the United States Air Force, Army, American Legion THB Post 187, with assistance from Government) and Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, members of Elmhurst College’s Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity which the Saudi Arabian Royal Prince himself bestowed to her. American Legion THB Post 187 and veterans, costumed members, has placed four rows of white crosses adjacent A proud life-time member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Elmhurst Civil War re-enactors and military vehicles. to the Veterans Memorial with the names of deceased American Legion THB Post 187, Capt. Tompos is also a member of the West Point Alumni The lead color guard will feature members of the Elmhurst residents who served during World War I, Glee Club (WPAGC), and she has had the distinct pleasure of singing at Carnegie Hall, Elmhurst Police and Fire Departments. World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, Persian Gulf War, at West Point, in Washington, D.C., for a Veterans Benefit Concert, and most recently in The parade also will feature vehicles representing and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Ireland, near the Ring of Kerry and Killarney, where she connected with Irish Veterans and six fire departments (Elmhurst, Northlake, Oak Brook, For the ninth year in row, an Always Remember sign sang in three concerts, while also serving as the Tour Director. This summer, Capt. Tompos ...and with the Rotary Club. Oakbrook Terrace, Villa Park and York Center), 14 commemorating the names of the deceased Memorial Day will be the Tour Director in Ireland again, this time for the West Point Women’s Group. scouting groups and 10 musical entries, along with Parade Grand Marshals has been erected adjacent to the Following her active military service, Capt. Tompos earned a Master of Education degree at Ohio University (1992-94) elected leaders at the federal, state and municipal levels. crosses. The sign was manufactured by Vital Signs USA, and later taught Master in Business Administration (MBA) courses on-line covering Managing Organizations, Leadership A total of nine cub scout packs, three boy scout troops, with a donation by Don Meyers. and Leading Change as a learning educator, facilitator and faculty member with Ellis University (2001-16). one girl scout troop and one combined troop of girl scouts The Veterans Memorial was dedicated in 1993 through While employed at Accenture from 1994 to 2001, Capt. Tompos helped lead projects, teams and groups in Change will carry commemorative war banners. the efforts of former VFW Post 2048, American Legion Management and Project Team Training. Elmhurst Mayor Steve Morley and members of the Post 187 and Ralph Pechanio, 1992 President (now Capt. Tompos has served as the CEO of Avail Consulting since 2002 and as an Adjunct Professor in the Department Elmhurst City Council will head a contingent of elected Chairman) of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Their of Business and Economics at Elmhurst College since 2015, after earning an MBA degree at EC (2013-14). leaders that includes U.S. Representative Mike Quigley fund-raising campaign generated more than $100,000 to A resident of Elmhurst for 15 years, Capt. Tompos has volunteered her time serving on several committees at York and Illinois State Representative Deanne Mazzochi. build the memorial. Community High School. She is also a Mentor Mom for Mothers of Pre-Schoolers, former PTA President, Service Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 will be Applications to have a deceased veteran honored at the Academy Board Member for three Congressmen, and a guest speaker on her unique experiences in the Army, empowering represented by both the York Community High School Veterans Memorial are available at Elmhurst City Hall, women. Marching Dukes band and the Elmhurst Middle School 209 North York Street, or by calling (630) 530-3010. She and her husband Stephen Tompos, an Army veteran himself, are the parents of three daughters, Laurel, Stephy and combined marching band, while Timothy Christian High Donations to the Veterans Memorial Fund are LilyAnn. School’s band is also marching. appreciated. Memorial Day Parade Line-Up for 2019

Elmhurst’s 2019 Memorial Day Parade is organized by the Parade Entries 48-90 Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry in cooperation with Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187, City of Elmhurst and 48. Persian Gulf War Sign – Cub Scout Pack #26 Elmhurst Park District. 49. York Community High School Marching Dukes Band – Director William Riddle Followed by York Community High School Alumni Association (YCHSAA) Ralph P. Pechanio and Chamber President and CEO John R. 50. Goldfish Swim School in Elmhurst 51. Immanuel Lutheran Church and School Quigley are the Parade Co-Chairs. The Parade steps off promptly 52. Elmhurst YMCA at 9:30 a.m. from York and Third streets in downtown Elmhurst. 53. War Sign – Cub Scout Pack #23 54. Elmhurst Lions Club

Parade Entries 1-25 55. Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra Association 56. Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church 57. American Taxi Dispatch, Inc. 1. Elmhurst Police and Fire Color Guard – Followed by 58. Timothy Christian High School Band Elmhurst Police Chief – Michael Ruth 59. Elmhurst Police Department D.A.R.E. Fifth Grade Students 2. Parade Banner – 101st Annual Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade 60. Elmhurst Premiere Childcare/Kidz Drop In 3. Presentation Banner – 61. Fireplace and Chimney Authority Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ambassadors 62. Casa San Carlo Retirement Community 4. Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Afghanistan Sign – Boy Scout Troop #82. 63. Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy & Wellness 5. Elmhurst Mayor – Steve Morley, Elmhurst City Council and Administration, 64. Korean War Sign – Cub Scout Pack #24 Followed by “Explore Elmhurst” trolley 65. Code Ninjas 6. United States Congressman – Michael Quigley 66. Fit4Mom DuPage County 7. Elmhurst Fire Department – Chief Thomas K. Freeman As first done in 2017, True Patriots Care is displaying more than 400 U.S. flags in Wilder 67. Lexington Square of Elmhurst 8. Northlake Fire Department – Lt. Josh Dewey Park on the front lawn of the Wilder Mansion in honor of the Illinois service men and 68. JDOG Junk Removal & Hauling 9. Oakbrook Terrace Fire Protection District – Chief Gregory Sebesta women killed in action since September 11, 2001. 69. West Town Chorus 10. Oak Brook Fire Department – Chief Barry Liss 70. Reebie Storage & Moving Co. 11. Villa Park Fire Department – Chief Ron Rakosnik 71. St. Peters United Church of Christ 12. York Center Fire Protection District – Chief Andrew Bonomo Parade Entries 26-47 72. Elmhurst Bicycle Club 13. Illinois Army National Guard 1744th Transportation Co. – Military Vehicle 73. World War II Sign – Girl Scouts Elmhurst Service Unit 14. Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq Sign – Cub Scout Pack #15 74. The Mills Group, Birkshire Hathaway Real Estate 15. True Patriots Care – Jerry Chirstopherson, President 26. Freedom Honor Flights 75. Orangetheory Fitness-Elmhurst 16. Antioch Brass Quintet 27. Iraq War Sign – Cub Scout Pack #78 76. Water Mold Fire Restoration Co. 28. Carver Military Academy Drill Team and Drum Corps 17. Military Officers – convertibles provided by members of the Elmhurst Chamber of nd 77. Spanish American War Sign – Boy Scout Troop #117, Boys Scout Troop #117G Commerce & Industry, including Larry Roesch Chrysler Jeep Dodge 29. 2 Kentucky Calvary Co, D – Civil War re-enactors and Cub Scout Pack #17 U.S. Army – Colonel Robert F. Bracki, Martin Jensen and 1st 30. Daughters of the American Revolution – Martha Ibberson National Society 78. Superior Air Ground Ambulance Service Lieutenant John Burch (WWII) 31. USO of Illinois – represented by Jennifer Veremis and The Beauty Lounge 79. 1955 Chevy Pickup Truck – Harold Johannesen U.S. Air Force – Brigadier General John M. Wendel, Lt. Colonel Michael J. 32. 46th Illinois Volunteer Infantry – Civil War re-enactors 80. Elmhurst Baseball and Softball Club O’Koniewski and Major Michael R. Bracki 33. President Abraham Lincoln – portrayed by Kevin J. Wood 81. Mexican War Sign – Cub Scout Pack #25 U.S Navy – Commander David A. Frey 34. Elmhurst Heritage Foundation/Elmhurst History Museum 82. War of 1812 and Revolutionary War Signs – Cub Scout Pack #14 U.S. Marine Corps – Major Edwin H. Walker IV 35. Illinois State Representative – Deanne Mazzochi 83. 303 Taxi U.S Coast Guard – Master Chief Alan Haraf 36. Elmhurst Park District 84. Cougars Baseball and Softball Club 18. American Legion T.H.B. Post 187 Color Guard 37. Elmhurst Knights of Columbus Color Guard – Father McDonald Council, 85. Elmhurst Chiefs Hockey American Legion 1911 Club 86. Elmhurst-Chicago Stone Company Commander – John A. Scudder 38. Elmhurst District 205 Combined Middle Schools Marching Band – Directors 87. Celebration Brass Sr. Vice Commander – Rus C. Strahan Brian Berg, Heather Knight, Cindy Krause, T.J. Mitchell and Ricardo Vazquez 88. Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst and Veterans of Elmhurst College, Parade Marshals – Post Members 39. War in Afghanistan and War on Terrorism Signs – Giant U.S. Flag Auxiliary President – Peggy Krihak Boys Scout Troop #417 and Cub Scout Pack #417 89. York Radio Club – Parade Communication Auxiliary Members 40. Elmhurst Princesses 90. First Congregational United Church of Elmhurst – 19. VETSO – Wheel Chair Honor Guard Veterans. DuPage Convalescent Center 41. Elmhurst Area American Association of University Women (AAUW) Clutter Bug, pick up of trash and recyclables 20. Chicago Symphonic Wind Ensemble – Music Director Maestro L.V. Byczek 42. Betty’s Blow Dry & Beauty Bar 21. Parade Grand Marshal – Captain Lori Tompos, U.S. Army (Ret.) 43. Bentley’s Pet Stuff 22. Patton Academy (Farragut Career Academy) JROTC Drill and Drums Team 44. Chorus of DuPage 23. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Color Guard 45. Wilkins Genesis of Elmhurst and Wilkins Mazda 24. United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps Color Guard, John F. Kennedy Division 46. Cityview Community Church 25. Northern Illinois Chapter Military Vehicle Preservation Association 47. Whole Foods Market

TRUE PATRIOTS CARE STAGES 400 U.S. FLAGS IN WILDER PARK

In conjunction with Elmhurst’s 101st Memorial Day Parade, True Patriots Care VALUES will stage a patriotic display of more than 400 American flags—honoring service Respect members from Illinois killed in action since September 11, 2001—in the Wilder Park Integrity on the lawn east of the Wilder Mansion from Thursday through Monday, May 23-27. “Each of the flags will have the name of the soldier and short bio,” said Jerry Do the Right Thing Christopherson, President of True Patriots Care, U.S. Army veteran and York Excellence Community High School’s Administrative Director – Custodial Manager. For Elmhurst’s 100th Memorial Day Parade in 2018, True Patriots Care staged a Gratitude patriotic display of more than 1,600 American flags—honoring Vietnam War service Collaboration members who were prisoners of war (POW) and missing in action (MIA)— Accountability throughout Wilder Park. True Patriots Care displayed 400 some flags in Wilder Park over the 2017 Memorial Day weekend and annually does a Flags of Honor at the entrance to Elmhurst’s York Community High School for Veterans Day in Honor of the 101 alums killed in action. Each flag had the name and war in which each soldier died in service for our country. The Wilder Park display will be lit through each of the nights using whisper-quiet portable lighting provided by Elmhurst College. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit foundation, True Patriots Care is dedicated to the recognition and support of first responders and armed services members who have served their communities. Visit the organization’s website (truepatriotscare.com) for more information. Allison Wiggins, Director of Information Technology for the Elmhurst Park District, is among True Patriots Care’s Board members. True Patriots Care counts the Gary Sinise Foundation (garysinisefoundation.org) and Vets Roll (vetsroll.org) among its national partners. Abraham Lincoln, who spoke at Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187’s Military Ball (right) in 2017, will march in Elmhurst’s 101st Annual Memorial Day Parade and speak at the Post-Parade Military Ceremony at the Veterans’ Memorial in Wilder Park.

PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN MAKES SPECIAL APPEARANCE Abraham Lincoln (as portrayed by Kevin Wood), America’s President during the Civil War, will march in Elmhurst’s 101st Annual Memorial Day Parade and then speak at the Post-Parade Military Ceremony at the Veterans’ Memorial in Wilder Park. One of our nation’s most beloved and esteemed historical figures, President Lincoln led our nation through its darkest days—when brother fought against brother—and the fabric of our “more perfect Union” was nearly torn asunder. President Lincoln rose from the obscurity of growing up in the western frontier in Kentucky and Indiana to become a lawyer in Springfield, Illinois, and then an American statesman who would become the 16th President of the United States from March of 1861 until his April 1865 assassination by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theatre while attending the play Our American Cousin. From the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery to his quintessential Gettysburg Address in 1863, President Lincoln cherished the ideals for which our republic stands: liberty and freedom, democracy, equality and opportunity. Using only 272 words scribbled down while on a train ride to commemorate a battlefield cemetery following a significant Union victory, his three-minute Gettysburg Address defied President Lincoln’s prognostication that “the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here.” President Lincoln stated that our great nation was born in 1776 when “conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” and that “government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth,” assuring the future of democracy in the world. His letter to Mrs. Bixby, who lost five sons on the Union side during the Civil War, includes the following: “I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cher- ished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom.”