February 12
HONEST ABE DAY
His life was what America was all about. An average boy, born on this day in 1809 on a farm in a log cabin in Hodgenville, Kentucky, was able to become the 16th President of the United States.
He studied hard, by the light of a fireplace, to become first, a lawyer, then a statesman. Abraham Lincoln, one of the most revered U.S. Presidents, served his country during one of the most turbulent times in its history. The term of his presidency (1861-1865) encompassed the Civil War between the States. His Emancipation Proclamation made on January 1, 1863 to free slaves; and his Gettysburg Address given on November 19, 1863 at the site of one of the most famous battlegrounds of the Civil War are still held high as classic statements of democratic beliefs and goals.
President Lincoln was also responsible for one of the most popular holidays in the U.S.: Thanksgiving Day. He proclaimed that the last Thursday of November shall be observed as such. And so it was, and still is.
Abraham Lincoln lived during tragic times and died a tragic death. While watching a performance of Our American Cousin at Washington’s Ford Theatre, he was shot by John Wilkes Booth and died a few hours later. Lincoln was the first U.S. President to be assassinated.
‘Honest Abe’ earned his nickname when he was practicing law in Illinois. It was his unfailing honesty that made him known throughout the state. When convinced that his client was right, he could argue the case strongly. If not convinced, he was hardly powerful in his client’s defense. Lincoln would persuade clients to settle out of court even though that meant he would receive a lesser fee. And, when this was not possible, he could argue a case equally as well before a judge or before an uneducated jury. To Abe Lincoln, being a lawyer or President meant seeking the truth for client or for country.
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
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