June 19, 2012 Wreath-Laying at Lincoln Memorial to Celebrate Lincoln's Role in Passage of Morrill Act, Establishing Land-Grant Universities

WHAT:
A public wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the role Abraham Lincoln and his contemporary, U.S. Rep. Justin Morrill, played in furthering access to universities, libraries and scientific research.

WHEN:
From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, June 25, with wreath-laying at 4:50 p.m.

WHO:
U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT.) and officials of the Library of Congress, the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the National Science Foundation will offer brief remarks, as will the president of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities.

A large contingent of land-grant university presidents—clad in their academic regalia—will attend the ceremony. The university presidents will lead a formal procession from the buses to the plaza at 4 p.m.

WHERE:
The Lincoln Memorial plaza
After the ceremony, at 5 p.m., participants will stand on the lower steps of the Lincoln Memorial for photos and interviews.

BACKGROUND:
The wreath-laying will follow a day-long conference at the Library of Congress on the roles Lincoln and Morrill played in establishing the land-grant universities, the National Academy of Sciences and the role Andrew Carnegie played in placing libraries across the nation. The Carnegie Corporation-sponsored conference, which is free and open to the public, will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, June 25 in the Coolidge Auditorium at the Library of Congress, 10 First St. SE, Washington, D.C.