Help set a record in Huntley

How often do you get a chance to break a record for the Guinness Book of World Records? Your chance is coming up on February 11th in Huntley.

The Civics Committee of Sun City Huntley will participate in trying to set a record for the largest mass reading of the Farewell Address (see below) given by President-elect Abraham Lincoln on February 11, 1861, as he left the Great Western Depot in Springfield for Washington. The Illinois Historical Preservation Agency is coordinating this event as part of the nation's observance of the Civil War Sesquicentennial.

The five-minute speech will be led in Huntley by Gary Cooney in the Drendel Ballroom of Prairie Lodge (Sun City, Huntley) at 11:00AM; doors open at 10:15AM. In 2006 223,363 readers in 909 locations around the world set the current Guinness record.

Lincoln said, "My friends, no one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell."

Although pre-registration is encouraged, it is not necessary. Bring your family, friends—anyone who can read along! The event is free, but an accurate count must be documented. An entry ticket (good for door prizes) will be necessary and will be distributed to each reader upon arrival.

For information, or to register, visit www.sccah.com/ or call 847.515.7650, using Program Code GWR LINCOLN MASS READING 6201-01. (The online reservation system assumes you are a Sun City resident, although there is a provision for registering as a Non-Resident.)