Rep. Lewis Statement on 200th Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth
February 13, 2009
Press Release
“Today we celebrate the 200th birthday anniversary of one of our nation’s most profound public servants. President Abraham Lincoln stood before the American people nearly one-hundred and fifty years ago to deliver his first inaugural address at a time when our nation faced a perilous future and the deepest dangers of division. Through the darkest and most fragile days of this Republic and through its bloodiest war, he held this nation together. Because he believed in the principles of unity and the need for our democracy, he stood for what was right at the cost of his own life. This nation is deeply indebted to the courage, conviction, and vision of President Abraham Lincoln.
“We hope and pray that the spirit of Lincoln will guide President Obama to lead this nation with as much wisdom and grace through the difficult days ahead. As we commemorate the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln and face the our contemporary trials, let us look to his timeless words. We must ‘strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds.’ The legacy reminds us all that great trial always offers great opportunity to prove again that together as one nation and one people we can overcome and surpass the most challenging adversity.”