I grew up in Illinois. Despite the recent political triumph and turmoil there is one Illinois politician who still makes 'em proud. That would be good old honest Abe Lincoln. And it is his birthday today. As an Illinois school child I never, ever went to school on this day. Illinois chose to do this day, February 12th rather than the more popular Presidents' Day that everybody knew really honored George Washington. In Illinois it was all about Lincoln.
Like a good Illinois girl I have been to the historic sites. New Salem near Springfield is really interesting. Springfield itself has the Lincoln home, the grave, and now the museum. There was a cabin near Decatur that was said to be a family homestead for the Lincolns. I even taught a child once who was related to the Lincoln family. I have been to the birthplace in Kentucky and the place they lived in Indiana. In fact on my mom's side my ancestors moved about the same time and to the same places as the Lincolns and the Hanks families. I feel connected to them.
I wonder if a President today would have the nerve to preside over a Civil War. Would meet and reject popular opinion enough to do what was right and moral and just and end slavery? Or abortion? I wonder what Lincoln himself would have been like had he lived today. But anyway, happy birthday Abe. Illinois is still proud of you.
1 comment:
Ooooh...I've been to New Salem! And it is interesting...and fun! I'd love to go there again sometime.
Teehee...I just remembered something. When Tess was a little thing - about 3 or 4 years old - she used to tell us she was going to marry Abraham Lincoln. And if we laughed at her... Well, let me put it this way - we quickly learned NOT to laugh. :D
Post a Comment