Join the Lincoln Memorial Shrine in celebrating the holiday season with a Holiday Sing Along featuring Camp Carleton Band on Saturday, December 23 at 11am in Smiley Park. From timeless classics like “Deck the Halls” and “Silent Night”, to songs that have dropped out of popular use, come, sing, and learn about the holiday music of the Civil War.
While not recognized as an official holiday until 1870, during the war Christmas served as both a respite from the horrors experienced on the battlefield and home front, and a reminder of long and painful separations from loved ones. Sharing the traditions and music of the holiday brought people together, creating temporary moments of normalcy in otherwise abnormal situations. Several of today’s beloved carols and hymns have their origins during the war, while others were passed down through generations by different cultures.
The event is free and open to the public. Admission is free. This event draws a large crowd each year, so early arrival is strongly recommended. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets. Large umbrellas are discouraged.
The Lincoln Memorial Shrine is located at 125 W. Vine Street in Smiley Park, directly south of A.K. Smiley Public Library. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the Contemporary Club of A.K. Smiley Public Library at 173 S. Eureka Street. For more information, please contact the Heritage Room at (909)798-7632 or heritage@akspl.org.