Lincoln Memorial Shrine Honors Anniversary of Gettysburg Address with Musical 'Tattoo'

A century and a half ago, President Abraham Lincoln made a speech at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, the final resting place of thousands of Union soldiers killed at the battle of Gettysburg. Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” has gone down in U.S. history, and to commemorate this pivotal moment, the Lincoln Memorial Shrine in Redlands and Camp Carleton Cornet Band are hosting the inaugural “Lincoln Shrine Tattoo” from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 16. “The sesquicentennial of the Civil War is an important commemoration for the United States, so when we were thinking about different programs for the public to learn more about the war, honoring the Gettysburg Address was a natural choice,” commented Nathan Gonzales, Lincoln Shrine Curator. “Through our partnership with local musicians who reenact a Civil War band unit, Todd Humphrey of the Camp Carleton Cornet Band suggested a military 'tattoo,' a special type of military musical program which dates back to the 1600s in Europe and was popular during the 19th century. Tattoos are still performed all over the world, but this is the first time there has been an all-Civil War tattoo in the country.” As part of the performance, the Camp Carleton Cornet Band, Mountain Fifes and Drums and Antebellum Marine Band, each dressed in Civil War uniforms, will be playing the same songs military bands played during the Civil War. Each band will play a set, culminating with a military review of the bands and a performance by all three groups playing together. For a special treat, President Lincoln, played by Lincoln presenter Robert Broski, will deliver the Gettysburg Address just as it was given 150 years ago. “This is the first time an event like this has been attempted in Southern California, and we’re very excited to be a part of it. Anyone with an interest in history will want to be sure to be there,” remarked Camp Carleton director Todd Humphrey. The event is free to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the performances. The event will take place in Smiley Park in front of the Lincoln Shrine. The Shrine is located south of Smiley Library at 125 W. Vine Street in Redlands. The Camp Carleton Cornet Band is a group of Southern California musicians committed to keeping true with the tradition of military bands during the American Civil War. This brass and drum ensemble maintains the traditional sounds with instruments appropriate for the era. Camp Carleton was the largest of several military camps in San Bernardino, California. It was established in 1861 by Captain William A. McCleave as a detachment of the 1st Regiment California Volunteer Cavalry, and was originally built on the north bank of the Santa Ana River in an area now known as Waterman Avenue. The Antebellum Marine Band is comprised of military veterans, active Marines, adult professional musicians and very select high school age musicians. The band has a repertoire spanning the beginning of band music in the US and up to the first decade of the 20th century at the height of the Sousa era. The Mountain Fifes and Drums teaches music, history, discipline, leadership, and responsibility to the youth of the San Bernardino mountain areas, free of charge. They perform eighteenth-century military music in the uniforms of George Washington's Continental Army in about 25 performances every year, including such events as the Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade, the Hollywood Christmas Parade and Drummers Call in Colonial Williamsburg. Their higher ranking musicians form a special group called the Mountaineers that gives several performances each year in Civil War uniforms, playing the music of the American Civil War. For more information, please visit www.lincolnshrine.org or call 909-798-7632.