WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama praised Abraham Lincoln for his conviction that a divided nation could be made whole at a gala Wednesday night celebrating the $25 million renovation of Ford’s Theatre.
On the eve of Lincoln’s 200th birthday, the president and first lady Michelle Obama joined a crowd of Hollywood stars and Washington heavy hitters for the celebration at the theater where Lincoln was assassinated. The building is reopening after an 18-month facelift that included new, more comfortable seats, a modern lobby and new dressing rooms.
Calling the theater “hallowed space” where Lincoln’s legacy thrives, Obama praised him for restoring a sense of unity to the country, according to the prepared remarks he was to deliver to the crowd.
“For despite all that divided us — North and South, black and white — he had an unyielding belief that we were, at heart, one nation, and one people,” Obama said. “And because of Abraham Lincoln, and all who’ve carried on his work in the generations since, that is what we remain today.”
The Obamas entered the theater to the tune of “Hail to the Chief” and the enthusiastic clapping of audience members. Before the event, guests ranging from Cabinet members to movie producers strode down a red carpet in sharply cut tuxedos and colorful gowns.
The evening was to include honoring actor Sidney Poitier and director George Lucas with the Lincoln Medal. Both exchanged greetings with the Obamas beforehand.
Also offering tributes to Lincoln on Wednesday were actress Audra McDonald from TV’s “Private Practice,” actors Ben Vereen and Jeffrey Wright, and opera singer Jessye Norman.
The theater will reopen to the public today for Lincoln’s birthday and then on Monday for Presidents Day. Regular tours resume Feb. 17.
There are plans to build a Lincoln Center for Education and Leadership across the street.
