Since Sept. 11, Americans have seen a resurgence of patriotism. In anticipation of the Presidents Day national holiday on Feb. 18, UNMC Today is featuring the words and images of Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Today’s selection highlights Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address.
Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address
The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania was the largest battle ever fought on American soil. On Nov. 19, 1863, a ceremony to establish Gettysburg as a national monument was conducted in which President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, one of the most famous orations in American history.
At the end of this speech, Lincoln said: “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.”
Top photo: Lincoln’s image as depicted on a $5 bill. Bottom photo: The Lincoln Memorial National Monument in Washington, D.C.