Lincoln Shrine Marks Gettysburg Anniversary with ‘Band Tattoo’

Just over 150 years ago, President Abraham Lincoln made a speech at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, the final resting place for 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 second “Lincoln Shrine Band Tattoo” on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Shrine. “The sesquicentennial of the Civil War is an important commemoration for the United States, and last year’s success of the first Tattoo, even given the damp weather, demonstrated how exciting music is to experience,” commented Nathan Gonzales, Lincoln Shrine Curator. “It started because of 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 and Mountain Fifes and Drums, each dressed in Civil War uniforms, will be playing the same songs military bands played during the Civil War. Each group will play a set, culminating with a military review of the bands and a group performance. For a special treat, President Lincoln, played by noted Lincoln presenter Robert Broski, will deliver the “Gettysburg Address,” just as it was given. “Music is a remarkable way to connect people to history, and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to share our music with everyone again,” remarked Camp Carleton director 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 St. in Redlands. For more information, please visit www.lincolnshrine.org or call (909) 798-7632. About the performers: 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. It was established in 1861 by Capt. 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 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 18th-century military music in the uniforms of George Washington's Continental Army in approximately 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.