GETTYSBURG, Pa., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today helped to mark the 146th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address at a Dedication Day ceremony at the Soldiers' National Cemetery.

"President Lincoln's unwavering moral conviction to end slavery cemented our place in the world as a beacon of justice," said Governor Rendell, standing near the same spot where President Lincoln delivered his address. "His relentless belief in preserving the Union made us all believers in his vision for this nation."

The Union Army's victory at the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863 was a turning point in the Civil War. It was the war's bloodiest battle with 51,000 casualties. President Lincoln delivered his famed Gettysburg Address while dedicating the cemetery on this date in 1863.

Before today's ceremony, Governor Rendell, actor Richard Dreyfuss and other dignitaries placed wreaths at the Soldiers' National Monument.

The Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania, in association with the National Park Service and the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College, commemorates the dedication of the National Cemetery and the Gettysburg Address in Gettysburg each year on Nov. 19.

In less than two years, the nation will honor the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. At the direction of the governor, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission convened a statewide committee to plan for the anniversary.

A new Web site, www.pacivilwar150.com, provides information and opportunities to participate in anniversary celebrations.

Media contact: Gary Tuma; 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.governor.state.pa.us
http://www.pacivilwar150.com/