Lincoln Statue Celebration Best Told in Photographs
 Abraham Lincoln spoke in Sterling in 1856, this day One Hundred Fifty years ago. |
 Sculptor Don Morris unties cover at base for unveiling of statue. |
 On site interpretive sign explains historical significance of Lincoln's speech. |
 Chicago Mercantile Battery readies canon before spectators arrive. |
 These two lovely ladies in period costume compliment the Chicago Mercantile Battery. |
 The men who represented the Chicago Mercantile Battery certainly looked the part. |
 Ready for ceremony to begin and unveiling; U S flag with 31 stars [1856] flies secondary. |
 Photo by LKDesignSource. Dual flags honor America today and yesterday. |
 Rev. Robert Sharp has the Lincoln look down pat; he is going to handle statue unveiling. |
 Photo by LKDesignSource. Best Lincoln look-alike ever says one spectator. |
 Sterling area wood carvers show their skill in crafting a miniature Lincoln bust. |
 Hooray, the Sterling High School Band has arrived and is setting up. |
 A surprising number of citizens bring their own lawn chairs and select the shady spots. |
 Photo by LKDesignSource. Both bleachers filled to near capacity. |
 Photo by LKDesignSource. Crowd relaxes in shade of tent for ceremony. |
 Director Michael McCoy gets everyone in the proper mood with just the right tunes. Great! |
 Rev. Robert Sharp as Abe Lincoln welcomes the Wilson family as Guests of Honor. |
 The Wilson family are descendants of Robert Wilson, who invited Mr. Lincoln to Sterling. |
 Russ Siefken, Master of Ceremonies. |
 The Marine Corps League, Sauk Valley Detachment handles Posting of Colors. |
 Invocation is handled by Rev. Verna Fair of Grace Episcopal Church, Sterling. |
 Jay Weiland, Sterling City Manager, comments on the appropriateness of this tribute. |
 Terry Buckaloo, SRFHS Museum Curator, provides historical background. |
 Buckloo tells how Mr. Lincoln, age 47, spoke for two hours in Sterling on July 18, 1856. |
 Photo by LKDesignSource. Rev. Sharp as Lincoln starts unveiling statue with gentle tug on cord and covering. |
 Photo by LKDesignSource. Moment of truth arrives as audience holds breath. |
 The community proudly presents a moment of honor to a great American, Abraham Lincoln. |
 Photo by LKDesignSource. What a thrill for Lincoln historians. |
 SRFHS president John Dillon transfers ownership of Lincoln statue to the Sterling Park District. |
 Director Rex Neff leads The Challand Middle School Boys' Octet in Lincoln and Liberty Too and America the Beautiful. |
 Byron Andreason, Research Historian at Abraham Lincoln Library & Museum. |
 Mr. Andreason states the country needs to return to recognizing its true heroes. |
 The half-pound black powder charge and wadding is tamped by the cannoneer. |
 A three-cannon salute by Chicago Mercantile Battery certainly got your attention. |
 Photo by LKDesignSource. Spectators Launch 500 Ballons to end ceremony. |
 Photo by LKDesignSource. Patriotic colors of flag raised skyward. |
 Photo by LKDesignSource. Folks congratulating sculptor at end of ceremony. |
 Photo by LKDesignSource. Lincoln statue viewed through 'keyhole' of Propheter Park sign. |
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