February 12, 2009
Whereas, Abraham Lincoln was born near Hodgenville, Kentucky, on February 12, 1809, and rose to the presidency through education, honesty, and integrity; and
Whereas, Lincoln’s pioneer grandfather, Captain Abraham Lincoln, moved to Kentucky in 1782; and his parents, Thomas and Nancy Hanks Lincoln, were married near Springfield, Kentucky, on June 12, 1806; and
Whereas, Kentuckians influenced Lincoln throughout his life, including his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln; his political mentor, Henry Clay; his best friend, Joshua Speed; his three law partners, John Todd Stuart, Stephen T. Logan, and William H. Herndon; and many others; and
Whereas, Lincoln was one of America’s greatest presidents, demonstrating true courage during the Civil War, the greatest crisis in our nation’s history; and
Whereas, Kentucky played a crucial role during the Civil War, with Lincoln saying, “to lose Kentucky is nearly the same as to lose the whole game;” and
Whereas, Lincoln’s family was divided during the Civil War, with several of Mary Todd Lincoln’s siblings serving and dying while in Confederate service; and
Whereas, with the belief that all men were created equal, Abraham Lincoln led
the effort to end slavery in the United States; and with many African American soldiers enlisting into the Union army at Camp Nelson in Jessamine County; and
Whereas, Lincoln gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country he kept united,
dying from an assassin’s bullet on April 15, 1865; and
Whereas, February 12, 2009 is the 200th birthday of Kentucky-born President Abraham Lincoln;
NOW THEREFORE, I, ______________, (Mayor, Judge Executive, etc.) of _________________ (city, county, etc.), do hereby proclaim February 12, 2009, as Abraham Lincoln Day.
I urge citizens, schools, libraries, businesses, churches, and media of _________________________ (city, county, etc.) to use this occasion to dedicate ourselves to preserve the legacy of our sixteenth president.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this _____th day of _____, 2009.