This announcement was nothing more than publicity. Next year is the big anniversary and they want you to start planning your vacations now so you can come celebrate with them, don't forget to bring your credit card. Politicians only care as much about history, any history, that it will garner votes for them.

Something to consider though. Regardless of whether you view the thing as shameful or rightous, what have you, remember that in addition to going through a rebellion, the country also went through a major revolution. The way life was lived afterwards was greatly different in both the north and south. Culturally, economicially, and politically.