Happy Birthday President Lincoln!

Today is President Lincoln's 200th Birthday! The following was written by Mike Huckabee, and I want to share it with you.




President Lincoln was born in Kentucky on February 12, 1809, he will forever be associated with Illinois. He lived as a young man in New Salem, Illinois.

It was from New Salem that he first began his career in politics, being elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 1834. Springfield holds a very special significance for Abraham Lincoln. He owned his first home in this city. It was here that he married Mary Todd, and it was in Springfield that their four sons, Robert, Edward, William and Thomas were born.

It was from Springfield that Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th President of the United States and it was to Springfield that America's President was returned to after his assassination at Ford's Theater on April 14, 1865 ( died on April 15). President Abraham Lincoln was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, just outside of Springfield on May 4, 1865.

Abraham Lincoln served this country as President during what is widely viewed as the most difficult period in United States history, this country's civil war. His leadership during this tumultuous period enabled us to survive as one nation, and to grow stronger with each generation.

It is often said that the times define the President. There were no more dangerous times for our country than the Civil War. Americans look to the President of the United States for leadership in time of crisis. That is why most Americans believe Abraham Lincoln to be our greatest President.

The Civil War began about a month after his first inauguration on March 4, 1861. His whole first term was devoted not only to the conduct of the war, but also to the intertwined issues of preserving the Union and abolishing slavery. In the process he defined the concept of equal rights.

Greatness is the ability to say the right thing at the right time with few words, especially if the message is unpopular. We need look no further than Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, or the Gettysburg address to find this greatness in Lincoln. Let us celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birth and hope to learn from his words and deeds.

All Americans should take the time to study our 16th President. He was a man of great humor, strong moral character and high principles. He saved the Union and preserved our great nation for all of us to enjoy today.


Happy birthday, Mr. President. And thank you.