100th Anniversary of Lincoln Monument

By: Stephanie Morrissey - Email

Updated: Sun 11:36 PM, Sep 02, 2012

A crowd gathered in the capital city today to pay tribute to the city's namesake Abraham Lincoln.

100 years ago, on September 2 1912, 10,000 Nebraskans gathered at the Capitol to dedicate the Lincoln monument.

The two men who created the statue in Lincoln would go on to build its national counterpart.

The Lincoln monument may not be as well-known but it's just as important, signifying the city's pride in having the name of the 16th president of the United States.

Capitol Administrator Robert Ripley said, "Thank heaven we had the leadership by Abe Lincoln. He was able to keep nation from dividing and keep us together as a nation that we enjoy today."

And a century later, Nebraskans once again gathered at the monument's base to rededicate the statue.

In fact Gov. Dave Heineman declared Sept. 2, 2012 Monument Re-dedication Day in Nebraska.

It's taken lots of love over the years to keep the monument in standing proud.

Ripley said, "The statue itself has had significant conservation on it three times. The first was in the 60's and it was first time been done. It was in terrible condition, enormous erosion, his face distorted, they eyes were dark and green, you could barely make out who it was."

And now that the statue looks brand new. Mayor Chris Beutler sees it as one of the most important pieces of art in the city.

"It's remarkable how architecture and art can change life, you don't even realize it but i think it has a positive influence in daily life."

Lots of kids showed up to this re-dedication proving that they are proud of Lincoln's history and will continue to take care of it's historical artwork.

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