CAPT Michael E. Jabaley Jr., USN, Speaks at the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Luncheon in Hodgenville, Ky.

Hodgenville, KY – Yesterday marked the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth in Hodgenville, and his hometown celebrated with a luncheon in his honor. The guest speaker for the event was Navy Captain Michael E. Jabaley, Jr., former Commanding Officer of USS Louisville (SSN 724) and currently the Program Manager for the VIRGINIA-class Submarine Program. Jabaley spoke on Lincoln’s legacy to the United States Navy.

Lincoln Days Celebration, Inc. sponsored the event for the community as it does annually. Junior past-president Opal Dail said, “Captain Jabaley was the best speaker we ever had. I think everyone was very interested in what he had to say.”

Jabaley was almost prevented from even making the event. Hurricane-force gusts and sustained high winds swept through much of Kentucky and neighboring states the day before, causing Louisville International to be closed. He found a flight into Nashville which allowed him to stop by his alma mater at Vanderbilt University and catch dinner at one of the more popular college hangouts.

CAPT Michael E. Jabaley, Jr., USN in front of the traditional Abraham Lincoln birthplace cabin.

During the morning, Jabaley had a chance to attend a flag raising on the city square, featuring A.A. Weinman’s original sculpture of a seated Lincoln. It was then off to Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site, followed by a visit to LaRue County High School.

The U.S. Mint unveiled the first of four new pennies designed to commemorate the bicentennial at the high school. Jabaley had an opportunity to meet with Kentucky Steven Beshear, several local leaders, and some Sea Cadets.

From there Jabaley visited Abraham Lincoln Elementary School for the luncheon with about about two hundred people in attendance.