SUN CITY – “Without the assistance of that Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well,” said Abraham Lincoln in his impromptu speech in 1861 as he left Springfield heading to Washington D.C. to become President.
Sun City resident, Gary Cooney, will set the stage with his authentic representation of Abraham Lincoln on Friday morning, February 11 at 10:15 a.m. in Drendel Ballroom to help set a new Guinness World Record by reading aloud Abraham Lincoln’s impromptu speech from 1861. Without the assistance of Dottie Bobzin, of N. 34, this world record attempt would have passed Sun City by. Mr. Cooney will illuminate the moments that lead up to this historic event. In addition, The Eakin Creek and Kishwaukee Railroad Club will display a few period railroad cars for visitors to view before or after the mass reading.
The event is being coordinated from Springfield by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, as well as Sun City’s own Civics Committee, as a kickoff to the nation’s observance of the Civil War Sesquicentennial. If all technical arrangements go well, there will be a viewing of a “live” video, where residents will be able to see others reading in unison from across the county.
The event is free, but an accurate count must be documented. An entry ticket, which will be good for door prizes, will be necessary and distributed to each reader upon arrival. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not necessary. All participants, including Sun City resdents, can pre-register by calling the Member Services Desk at 847-515-7650 or they can register online at the website, www.sccah.com. When using online registration, look for the ONLINE REGISTRATION tab on the left side of the website.
On Friday, February 11, the doors to Drendel Ballroom will open at 10:15 a.m. for the world record attempt. The reading will begin at 11 a.m. and last 5 minutes. Large-print copies of the short speech will be distributed. Don’t let this historic and noble event pass you by.
“To His care commending you . . . I bid you an affectionate farewell,” said Abraham Lincoln.
