By The Associated Press

Published: Tuesday, October 2, 2012, 9:02 p.m.
Updated: Friday, October 5, 2012

GETTYSBURG — Director Steven Spielberg will deliver the keynote address at an observance commemorating the 149th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's “Gettysburg Address,” officials said Tuesday.

Officials with Gettysburg National Military Park in Central Pennsylvania said that Spielberg's remarks will coincide with the release of his film “Lincoln,” which stars Daniel Day-Lewis in the title role.

Spielberg will speak at about 10 a.m. Nov. 19 at the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, following a wreath laying. A Lincoln re-enactor will recite the famous speech, and 16 people will become naturalized citizens during a ceremony run by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Lincoln's remarks at the dedication of the military cemetery, which begin with the phrase “Four score and seven years ago,” are generally considered one of the best presidential speeches in American history.

Previous speakers at the annual commemoration include presidents Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower, and Gov. Tom Ridge. The event is free.

Gettysburg is the site of the pivotal battle of the Civil War, where Northern troops were able to repel the Confederate army under Gen. Robert E. Lee. Plans are under way for the battle's 150th anniversary in 2013, which is expected to draw about 1 million additional visitors to Gettysburg over the course of the year.

Details: www.lincoln-fellowship.org

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