The reality of the attacks on Sept. 11, followed by the bioterrorist-related anthrax event, has led to a resurgence of patriotism within our country. Demonstrations of patriotism, which means “love of country,” can be observed all around us in such activities as voting, running for public office, standing as the National Anthem is sung, flying the “Stars and Stripes,” reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, serving in the Armed Forces, or observing such national holidays as Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day. Another form of patriotism is learning about our Founding Fathers and others who have had a major influence in shaping our country.
To foster this patriotic attitude, a series containing the words and images of Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln will be featured in UNMC Today in anticipation of the Presidents Day National Holiday Feb. 18. This holiday celebration was first observed Feb. 22, 1885, when then President Chester A. Arthur signed a bill to honor Washington’s birthday. In 1968, Congress passed the Monday Holiday Act which moved this holiday to the third Monday in February. President Richard Nixon expanded the holiday to include all past presidents and hence called the holiday Presidents Day.
Although Congress officially identifies the Presidents Day holiday as Washington’s birthday, some states deem it a holiday to recognize all past presidents including Lincoln, whose birthday is Feb. 12.
Lincoln’s thoughts on preserving liberty
Abraham Lincoln could not foresee our present national problems, however, he continually commented on defending and preserving our country’s liberties. On Aug. 18, 1864, in remarks to the 164th Ohio Regiment at the end of the Civil War, President Lincoln said: “We have, as all will agree, a free Government, where every man has a right to be equal with every other man. In this great struggle, this form of government and every form of human right is endangered if our enemies succeed. There is more involved in this contest than is realized by every one. There is involved in this struggle the question of whether your children and my children shall enjoy the privileges we have enjoyed.”