Jul 3, 2009 9:00 pm US/Eastern
Philly Celebrates Lincoln's 200th Birthday
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
As Independence Day celebrations kick-off all around the country, Philadelphia is paying special honors to one of the nation's most beloved Presidents.
A six-foot, seven-inch tall bronze statute of Abraham Lincoln was unveiled on Independence Mall Thursday. The event kicked off a four-day celebration for Honest Abe's 200th birthday.
The lawn of the National Constitution Center was transformed into a Union army campsite from the 1860s in honor of the event. Campers dressed head to toe in period outfits proved to be quite the site for tourists in town for the Fourth of July.
"In light of his (Lincoln) 200th anniversary, it's very appropriate to recognize his contribution to the country; basically saving the Union," said Scott Thomas of Spring Grove, Pa.
Visitors may even catch a glimpse of the President himself. Mr. Lincoln, played by reenactor Fritz Klein, says the grounds in front of Independence Hall are a perfect fit for his second century celebration.
"I wouldn't have been much of a President if it hadn't been for 1776. The principles that were penned in that building over there are principles that I've tried to implement all my life," he said.
Also during the celebration, a group called the "Dumpster Divers" will be creating the likeness of Abraham Lincoln out of found objects.
For more, visit
http://www.lincoln200philly.org/
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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