Thursday, February 12, 2009

'HAPPY 200th BIRTHDAY', DEAR PRESIDENT!

"A Government of the people,
by the people
and for the people,
shall not perish from the earth."
(1809-1865)




But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate – we cannot consecrate – we cannot hallow – this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.

8 comments:

  1. Its been a while since i have seen this. I remember memorizing it in grade school. thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  2. Certainly one of the most moving speeches of all time, no question. :) Happy 200 to both Abe...and Mr. Darwin.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A great speech by a great man. I'm grateful to all those who have fought, and continue to do so, for our freedom. May we always remember their sacrifices and the high cost of freedom.
    Happy 200th birthday dear President Lincoln!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks Joey for posting mr Lincoln's speech...I too remember memorizing it as a child...though it meant little to me then, I was really quite young! ...It means so much more now!

    Gail

    ReplyDelete
  5. Haha... isn't amazing two great men born on the same day. I read somewhere that they had many other similarities, their childhood and illness etc.

    xoxo Tyra

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for this tribute to Illinois' favorite son, Joey. I just watched part of a documentary on the History Channel today about Lincoln. He was indeed a great man, and for a self-educated man, a better writer than any professional. His words will never be forgotten.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Joey, so glad someone did a post on President Lincoln. He is one of my favorites. There are lots of celebrations set in IL.-we claim him you know. :} He was a great man who didn't get the recognition he deserved durinh his life time. Wonder what he would say about the state of the Union these days?

    ReplyDelete
  8. I forgot it was his birthday...maybe because I never have off work. ;)

    ReplyDelete