Inauguration travelers encouraged to visit place where 'A New Birth of Freedom' began

Theme originated in Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

(Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) - 12/18/2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE …

 

CONTACT:

Carl Whitehill

Media Relations Manager

Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau

(717) 338-1055

[email protected]

 

 

 

As America celebrates the beginning of a new presidency this January, the nation is reminded of “A New Birth of Freedom,” a message of hope and inspiration first delivered by President Abraham Lincoln in a town about 80 miles to the north, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

 

Americans who plan to attend the inauguration on Jan. 20 are encouraged to visit Gettysburg, not only the scene of an epic, tragic three-day battle, but the site of change, proposed through those 10 sentences read on Nov. 19, 1863. That address, which set the course of change in America, has become on of the most-known speeches in world history.

 

President-elect Barack Obama’s term begins in a year in which the United States of America will celebrate one of our country’s most beloved presidents during the Lincoln Bicentennial.

 

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as the site of the famous speech will play a central role in that celebration. The centerpiece of Gettysburg’s year-long remembrance is the opening of the David Wills House, a museum dedicated to Lincoln and the man who took charge of the cleanup efforts in the months following the Battle of Gettysburg in July of that year.

 

 “This is a great opportunity for Americans to visit the place where ‘A New Birth of Freedom’ originated,” said Norris Flowers, President of the Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We hope they incorporate Gettysburg into their trip to the inauguration.”

 

Immediately after the election, hotels in Gettysburg and Adams County, Pa., began receiving requests for overnight accommodations. Many of those are three-night stays over the holiday weekend.

 

Even those travelers not staying overnight in Gettysburg are encouraged to visit this historic town and explore their nation’s history. Historic Gettysburg features its 6,000 acre battlefield, new museum and visitor center and dozens of museums throughout the town.