Abraham Lincoln’s 215th Birthday Celebration in Springfield, Illinois

By: Sameer Somal |  April 22, 2024

On February 17th, 2024, Abraham Lincoln admirers, enthusiasts, and distinguished authors gathered together in Springfield, Illinois, to celebrate Mr. Lincoln’s 215th birthday. For academics and students of Mr. Lincoln, there is perhaps no more of an endearing pilgrimage than attending the annual Abraham Lincoln Association (ALA) banquet. For participants, the shared commitment to preserving Lincoln’s legacy and enduring influence on American history is precious.

Lincolnian Insights and Scholarly Perspectives

The celebration commenced with the Benjamin P. Thomas Memorial Symposium and the Thomas F. Schwartz Luncheon featured five renowned scholars and authors who offered perspectives on Lincoln’s life and presidency.

 

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Image Credit: Girl Power Talk

There were also opportunities for book signings, where readers could glean firsthand insights from the authors. Such interactions were memorable for those seeking to expand their understanding of President Lincoln.

 

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Sameer Somal engages panelists on their shared affinity for Mr. Lincoln. 
Image Credit: Girl Power Talk

Honoring Mr. Lincoln’s Enduring Influence

The evening commenced with camaraderie as guests socialized, setting the tone for an intellectually stimulating banquet. Nigel Hamilton, an eminent writer renowned for his insightful analysis of political leaders and military commanders, delivered a keynote address titled “Lincoln and Roosevelt: Two Wartime Commanders in Chief.” He provided attendees with a fresh perspective on Lincoln’s leadership during one of the nation’s most turbulent periods. 

Amidst the day-long celebration, attendees indulged in some of their favorite Lincoln moments, facts, and stories from the great raconteur. Below are some lesser-known facts about our beloved 16th president: 

  • Mr. Lincoln owned a German-language newspaper, Illinois Staats-Anzeiger, to influence the valuable voting bloc in the 1860 elections. 
  • The Secret Service was established and put in motion by President Lincoln on the same day he was assassinated in Washington, D.C. 
  • Mr. Lincoln redefined Thanksgiving by issuing a proclamation in 1863, officially declaring the last Thursday in November a national holiday. 
  • The United States Department of Agriculture was established by Abraham Lincoln, who signed the legislation during the Civil War to support farmers. 

A Legacy That Transcends Time

The event is more than a commemoration of the past, but rather a reaffirmation of Lincoln’s timeless ideals of equality, justice, and unity. The Abraham Lincoln Association, through the Journal of The Abraham Lincoln Association and newsletters, actively supports Lincoln scholarship and hosts annual symposiums and banquets to preserve and share the extraordinary story of Abraham Lincoln with the world. 

To learn more about the ALA, please contact Kay Smith at kaysmith.ala@gmail.com

 

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Image Credit: Girl Power Talk

Opportunities Beyond the Banquet

Girl Power Talk also offers an Abraham Lincoln Research Fellow Internship for students and young professionals: Apply now

If you’re looking to invest your time in the study of Mr. Lincoln, work on a CLE program, write an article together, or simply make a new friend who shares your interest, please feel free to reach out to us:

Anshika
Sr. Writer
anshika.ganjoo@blueoceanglobaltech.com 

Sameer Somal
CEO
ssomal@blueoceanglobaltech.com 

Published by Sameer Somal

Sameer Somal is the CEO of Blue Ocean Global Technology and Co-Founder of Girl Power Talk. He is a CFA Charterholder, a CFP®️ professional, and a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst. Sameer leads client engagements focused on digital transformation, risk management, and technology development. A testifying subject matter expert witness in economic damages, intellectual property, and internet defamation, he authors CLE programs with the Philadelphia Bar Foundation. Sameer is a frequent speaker at private industry and public sector conferences, including engagements with the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), Global Digital Marketing Summit, IBM, New York State Bar Association (NYBSA), US Defense Leadership Forum, and US State Department’s Foreign Service Institute. He proudly serves on the Board of Directors of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Girl Power USA. Committed to building relationships, Sameer is an active member of the Abraham Lincoln Association (ALA), Academy of Legal Studies in Business (ALSB), American Bar Association (ABA), American Marketing Association (AMA), Business Transition Council, International Trademark Association (INTA), and Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF). A graduate of Georgetown University, he held leadership roles at Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and Scotiabank. Sameer is also a CFA Institute 2022 Inspirational Leader Award recipient and was named an Iconic Leader by the Women Economic Forum.

Sameer Somal
Sameer Somal, CFA, CFP®, CAIA

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