Celebrating another change-maker in our history

The country paid tribute to another change-maker in history today on the 200th anniversary of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln’s birth.

Celebrations were held around the nation. In Washington, a congressional tribute took place at the Capitol rotunda and many schools honored Lincoln in their own ways.

President Obama spoke at the Capitol, saying: “"At a moment when we are far less divided than in Lincoln's day but when we are once again debating the critical issues of our time -- and debating them sometimes fiercely -- let us remember that we are doing so as servants of the same flag, as representatives of the same people and as stakeholders in a common future. That is the most fitting tribute we can pay and the most lasting monument we can build to that most remarkable of men, Abraham Lincoln.”

This celebration seems especially timely as current President Obama is not only from Illinois, “the land of Lincoln,” but has drawn on Lincoln’s speeches, writings, and ideologies throughout his political career and often cites Lincoln’s own words in his speeches.

One of the things Lincoln is best known for is issuing the Emancipation Proclamation at the end of the American Civil War in 1863. The Proclamation committed the Union to ending slavery and although it was not fully pervasive or effective immediately, it set the country on a long yet historic path to change.

Obama put it simply today saying that Lincoln “made America’s story possible.”

Obama will also speak later today at an event in Springfield, Illinois – Lincoln’s birthplace.

So what are you doing to celebrate Lincoln today? Let us know, comment below!