FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Despina Gakopoulos (617) 457-5502
newsmedia@elderhostel.org
Marcia and Fred Schneider of New York City Attend President Obama's Historic Speech at Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (March 4, 2009) — When Marcia and Fred Schneider enrolled in Celebrating Abraham Lincoln's 200th Birthday, a three-night learning adventure offered by Elderhostel, they were prepared to take in all the official sites and events celebrating the life and legacy of our 16th president. To their surprise, a special highlight of the program was the opportunity to hear President Barack Obama speak at the Lincoln Bicentennial Banquet on Feb. 12.
"Fred and I both share an interest in U.S. history, the Civil War, and U.S. presidents — especially the legacy of President Lincoln," Marcia Talmage Schneider says. "We signed up for this program because of our interest in Lincoln — we couldn't have been more pleased when we heard that President Obama would be at the Bicentennial Banquet and we would part of such a historic moment."
The Schneiders were part of a group of 57 participants who traveled from across the country to Springfield for the Elderhostel program at Lincoln Land Community College that included expert-led symposia and presentations by Lincoln scholars, as well as visits to the historic Lincoln sites.
"Attending the President's speech was, of course, the biggest highlight for us, but it was incredible to see Lincoln's original documents on display together in one place," Fred Schneider says, "and the lectures at the symposium were excellent."
"We had been on Elderhostel programs before and we love that information is presented by lecturers and experts rather than tour guides — overall the program was exceptional and the banquet was like the icing on the cake," Marcia Schneider adds. "I had found myself a spot so that I could see President Obama when he arrived. As he entered and shook hands with the crowd, he kissed a woman on the cheek. I yelled, "I want a kiss, too" and next thing you know, I got one."
Elderhostel, founded in 1975, is the world's largest not-for-profit educational travel organization for older adults. More than 160,000 people enroll in Elderhostel's 8,000 programs annually. Elderhostel provides exceptional learning adventures throughout the United States and Canada and in more than 90 countries around the world. Expert instructors and experienced group leaders create extraordinary experiences by sharing stimulating information, leading fascinating field trips and providing meaningful cultural excursions. In 2004, Elderhostel launched Road Scholar to meet the needs of a new generation of educational travelers. For more information, please visit www.elderhostel.org or www.roadscholar.org.
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