Abraham Lincoln, as highlighted in Aaron Copland's 1942 Lincoln Portrait, embodies the spirit of self-sacrifice and lofty ideals during dark times. His words, as narrated in the composition, remind us of the inescapable nature of history and the responsibility we bear through fiery trials, passing down honor or dishonor to future generations. Lincoln, born in Kentucky, raised in Indiana, and a resident of Illinois, stood at 6 feet 4 inches, and spoke of the inadequacy of past dogmas for the stormy present, urging a new way of thinking and acting to save the nation. He identified the eternal struggle between right and wrong, criticizing the tyrannical principle that allows one to exploit another's labor, whether through monarchy or slavery. A quiet and melancholy man, Lincoln's vision of democracy was rooted in rejecting both slavery and mastery, asserting that any deviation from this principle is not democracy. As the 16th President of the United States, his memory endures among his countrymen, especially through his Gettysburg Address, where he called for increased devotion to the cause for which many died, hoping for a new birth of freedom and a lasting government of, by, and for the people. Despite the stirring nature of his words and his evident honor and integrity, Lincoln's conclusion that any earthly government could endure is seen as flawed, given that such systems, built on choices apart from God's word, are destined to perish. The division and strife, including the 620,000 deaths during the Civil War of his era, are viewed as consequences of abandoning God's law, underscoring the need to avoid entanglement in worldly affairs and focus on preparation aligned with divine truth.

Two days ago marked the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth on February 12, 1809. As a significant figure in American history, his birthday was once considered a day of remembrance in many states, though not a national holiday. From about 1879 through 1970, schools and local government offices often closed to honor this day, and educational efforts focused on memorializing Lincoln and the period in which he lived, along with the legacy historians attribute to him. Despite the proximity of his birthday to George Washington's, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, which moved Washington's birthday to the third Monday in February starting in 1971, did not officially combine the two observances. Contrary to popular belief, this day remains designated as Washington's birthday, not a combined President's Day, though it is often mistakenly thought to honor both Lincoln and Washington or any president of choice. Over time, the distinct memorial for Lincoln has been watered down and distorted within the self-serving minds of men. Additionally, in grammar school, children were required to memorize and recite Lincoln's most recognizable speech, delivered on November 19, 1863, at the dedication ceremony of the cemetery at Gettysburg, underscoring the importance of remembering his contributions to American history.