20 Wreaths Placed at Lincoln’s Tomb

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — About 200 people watched as veterans and state leaders laid 20 wreaths Monday at Abraham Lincoln’s tomb in an annual pilgrimage to mark the 181st anniversary of his birth.

Sen. Paul Simon (D-Ill.) and Rep. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) presented a wreath from President Bush made of red, white and blue carnations. Both compared Lincoln’s desire for freedom to the democratic movements in Eastern Europe and the release from prison of black activist Nelson R. Mandela in South Africa.

Lincoln owned his only home in Springfield and lived in that downtown residence from 1844-60 while he practiced law and served in the Illinois General Assembly.