Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States and preserved the Union during the American Civil War. His qualities of faithfulness, honesty, resolution, humor and courage, gave him the strength to lead our country during the bloodiest years of our existence.He was elected President in 1860, and by the time he had taken office, seven states had already seceded from the Union over the issue of slavery. He issued his Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 to set the slaves in the rebellious states free. He coordinated every aspect of the war effort as commander-in-chief and his military genius was instrumental in the Union victory.
He was re-elected in 1864, and tragically assassinated before he could oversee the reconstruction of the South.
A number of famous quotes that were his words…included:
“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, cannot long retain it.”
“Force is all-conquering, but its victories are short-lived.”
“Stand with anybody that stands right. Stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.”
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
“As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy. Whatever differs from this, to the extent of the difference, is no democracy.”
“I am rather inclined to silence, and whether that be wise or not, it is at least more unusual nowadays to find a man who can hold his tongue than to find one who cannot.”
As we remember Lincoln’s birthday we can surely reflect on the principles he stood for and believed in.
Happy 203rd Mr. President !
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