09 LC 94
0474
House
Resolution 309
By:
Representatives Willard of the
49th,
Richardson of the
19th,
Keen of the
179th,
Burkhalter of the
50th,
Jones of the
46th,
and others
A
RESOLUTION
Recognizing
the bicentennial anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS,
President Abraham Lincoln, who is revered as one of the most influential and
important presidents of this nation's history, was born in Hardin County,
Kentucky, on February 12, 1809; and
WHEREAS,
motivated in his youth by a fear that he would be remembered for achieving
nothing during his lifetime, President Lincoln made extraordinary efforts to
attain knowledge and serve his country with service as a captain in the Black
Hawk War, eight years as an Illinois legislator, years as a talented litigator,
and the honor of the first Republican Party president; and
WHEREAS,
after earning a national reputation during his debate for the seat as Illinois
Senator against Stephen A. Douglas, President Lincoln won the Republican party's
nomination for president in 1860 and built the party into a strong national
organization; and
WHEREAS,
President Lincoln took office as the nation's 16th President on March 4, 1861,
as the United States was on the brink of civil war and fought for reunification
for the next four years; and
WHEREAS,
on January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued his and this country's most
ground-breaking and momentous declarations, the Emancipation Proclamation,
calling for the release of all slaves; and
WHEREAS,
on the closing days of the war, President Lincoln demonstrated compassion and
enlightenment, choosing to focus on reconciliation of the states instead of
victory; and
WHEREAS,
one of history's greatest leaders and wordsmiths, President Lincoln's speech
dedicating the military cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, eloquently reminds
all who hear it that even in the tragedy and sadness of war, hope remains;
and
WHEREAS,
his magnanimous and dignified leadership has served as a torch for all leaders
of this country and his legacy has been commemorated in music, poetry, and
sculpture; and
WHEREAS,
Lincoln's goal of finding unity in the great diversity of this nation lives on
each day, and it is abundantly fitting and proper that this body honor the
amazing contributions and life of President Lincoln during the bicentennial year
of his birth.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body honor the life and memory of President Abraham Lincoln and the two
centuries of change and progress that have resulted from his vision and
guidance.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to members of the
public and the press.