Illinois National Guard participates in commemoration of President Lincoln

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/03/2015)(readMedia)-- Story by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard, Public Affairs

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – Governor Bruce Rauner, Maj. Gen. Daniel Krumrei, The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard and members from the Illinois Air National Guard, Illinois Army National Guard and the Lincoln's Challenge Academy all played a role in the Abraham Lincoln Funeral Re-Enactment Events May 2 in Springfield, Illinois.

Two Airmen from the 183rd Fighter Wing and two Soldiers from the 233rd Military Police Company, both units based in Springfield, provided a color guard detail posting the colors during the opening ceremony.

Over 12,000 re-enactors along with 17 partnering organizations and a few thousand spectators were present at the ceremony.

Governor Rauner delivered a speech to paying tribute Lincoln as people crowded around to see Lincoln's casket during the opening ceremony downtown Springfield.

Rauner said the event was a great opportunity for everyone to listen and learn about our fallen hero.

Krumrei spoke of Lincoln's service in the Illinois Militia during the Black Hawk War and said the very image of Lincoln is a symbol of freedom. The Illinois Militia is now known as the Illinois National Guard.

"Lincoln did not aspire to be an icon," said Krumrei. "He was a man of the people...a man for the people. A man elected...by the people...to do a job and was determined to succeed."

The event concluded with the exchange of gifts honoring Lincoln's memory including Governor Rauner presenting the flag that was draped over Lincoln's coffin during the re-enactment to Krumrei to be place in the Illinois State Military Museum on Camp Lincoln.

In addition to the opening ceremony, other events went on honoring Lincoln gathering more crowds of people eager to listen to the history behind the iconic leader. Members of the 144th Army Band played military songs for people at a church in downtown Springfield while members of the Lincoln's Challenge Academy out of Rantoul, Illinois served as volunteers for the encampment activities in Lincoln Park.

"It was a wonderful event and a great outpouring of love and emotion for our greatest Illinoisan, Abraham Lincoln," said Rauner.

Cutline1: Governor Rauner presents the flag draped over Abraham Lincoln's coffin to Maj. Gen. Daniel Krumrei, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard during the opening ceremony of the Lincoln Funeral Re-Enactment May 2 in downtown Springfield, Illinois. The flag will be put into the Illinois State Military Museum on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Cutline2: Pictured here is the replica Abraham Lincoln coffin made for the the opening ceremony for the Abraham Lincoln Re-Enactment May 2 in downtown Springfield, Illinois. During the ceremony speakers from various organizations spoke about Lincoln and his impact on America's freedoms.

Cutline3: Maj. Gen. Daniel Krumrei, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, delivers a speech during the opening ceremonies for the Abraham Lincoln Re-Enactment May 2 in downtown Springfield, Illinois highlighting the military service of Abraham Lincoln and how Lincoln's image is a symbol of freedom to Americans.

Cutline4: Members of the Lincoln's Challenge Academy give directions to people entering Lincoln Park, Springfield, Illinois May 3 for the Lincoln Re-Enactment events taking place throughout the park.