a publication of the abraham lincoln presidential library foundation ...

A Message from the Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Carla Knorowski
“… in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have
consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they
did here. It is for us, the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here, have, thus far, so nobly advanced. It is rather
for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the
last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of
freedom—and that, government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
These famous words, taken from The
Gettysburg Address and gracing the
cover of this newsletter, were often
quoted in the days leading up to and on the
date of the tenth anniversary of the tragic events
that befell our nation on September 11, 2001.
Abraham Lincoln’s immortal words resounded
in speeches, Facebook posts, and tweets across
Dr. Carla Knorowski the land as people sought out his voice not only
to assuage the loss, grief, and sadness they still felt, but also to honor those
victims and those victimized on that fateful day. Almost 150 years after he
deliveredit,The Gettysburg Address anditsauthoronceagainhelpedtoheal
and provide direction to a nation still trying to fathom the unfathomable.
The simplicity and elegance of Lincoln’s words cut to the core and are as
profound as the words, “I am sorry,” “It’s my fault,” or “You’re forgiven,”
can be when spoken in a pure, unfiltered way. The Address underscores
Lincoln’s ability to continue to lead in a world, which continues to
follow and hang on his every word. On any given day, under any given
circumstance, it is not a bad thing to ask oneself, “What would Lincoln
do in this situation?” “What would Lincoln say?” “What did he do?”
“What did he say?” He is equally relevant and revelatory today as he was
throughout his lifetime.
1 Four Score and Seven
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Announcing the 2012 Lincoln Leadership
Prize Recipent: Lech Wałęsa
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Introducing:
"Lawyers for Lincoln"
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is fortunate to
have,hold,and protect one of only five remaining copies of The Gettysburg
Address written in Lincoln’s own hand.It is a remarkable document to view,
and it strikes you, as you view it, that it is a bit more than half the length of
a 500-word essay a student might write for a homework assignment. It is
one of the world’s greatest lessons in communication—its clarity, brevity,
and meaning—sheer perfection. It took all of two-and-a-half minutes or so
to deliver, and yet its effect is as powerful today as it was in 1863.
And so as we carry on past the tenth anniversary of 9/11 and have just
passed the 148 th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, let us reflect on
and be grateful for one man’s continued service to our nation. Abraham
Lincoln continues to lead and inspire us to a higher ground,a better place,
and new beginnings. At a time when it is easy to resort to feelings of anger,
bitterness,andhate,letuscontinuetotakeuphistorchandlivebyhiswords:
"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right,
as God gives us to see the right,let us strive on to finish the work we are in;
to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the
battle,and for his widow and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and
cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”
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Foundation
Annual Report FY 11
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ALPLM to Publish Guide on
the Visitor experience
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Library & Museum
FY 11 in Review
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Hands on the Land
Member Family event
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Museum Store Holiday Specials
(Also see eCatalog insert)