Today is Presidents’ Day, and while it’s a welcome day off for many, we should remember why this day is so important, and cherish the legacy of two of our greatest presidents whom the day honors: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
They were very different men. Washington was a war hero who led our country through its birth, kept the American Army together through the darkest days of the revolution, and emerged as our first president. He was bold in action, but quiet and reserved when it came to public policy. Similarly, Abraham Lincoln led our nation through its second darkest hour. Unlike Washington however, Lincoln was never much of a military man, yet he was faced with the nightmare of the Civil War from the very moment his presidency began. But Lincoln possessed the gift of oratory, and a deep courage and conviction, which helped him face adversity. He persevered, found new strength, won the war, and freed the slaves.
George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were great leaders because they saw that true leadership is defined by service before self, country before compensation, people before power. They dedicated their lives to the service of others, suffered greatly for the sake of this country, and died worthy of the respect of the nation.
Enjoy this holiday, spend time with your family, but remember what has given you the freedom to do so. The freedoms and prosperity we enjoy today are owed in great part to such men.
Showing posts with label Abraham Lincoln. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Abraham Lincoln. Show all posts
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday, February 15, 2010
In Honor of Presidents Day
As a proud American, I am humbled and thankful today as we celebrate Presidents Day in honor of two of our nation’s greatest leaders.
A federal holiday, Presidents Day was originally established to honor George Washington and later, Abraham Lincoln. Besides sharing February birthdays, Washington and Lincoln also shared unrivaled leadership abilities, patriotic vision and immeasurable accomplishments in the pursuit of life, liberty and justice for all.
Where would we be today without the unselfish patriotism of these great men? Washington and Lincoln undoubtedly laid the foundation and building blocks on which this nation was built. Their precedents are the rules by which we live, govern and prosper. Theirs are the constitutions by which we defend our freedoms, guard our borders and protect our allies near and far.
Our generation of Americans inherited a nation of prosperity and strength that is unrivaled around the globe. For that, we salute our leaders, thank our troops and appreciate the freedoms and liberties that Washington and Lincoln fought to establish and preserve. The question we must each ask of ourselves is “what kind of nation will we pass along to the next generation of Americans?”
Happy Presidents Day, America.
A federal holiday, Presidents Day was originally established to honor George Washington and later, Abraham Lincoln. Besides sharing February birthdays, Washington and Lincoln also shared unrivaled leadership abilities, patriotic vision and immeasurable accomplishments in the pursuit of life, liberty and justice for all.
Where would we be today without the unselfish patriotism of these great men? Washington and Lincoln undoubtedly laid the foundation and building blocks on which this nation was built. Their precedents are the rules by which we live, govern and prosper. Theirs are the constitutions by which we defend our freedoms, guard our borders and protect our allies near and far.
Our generation of Americans inherited a nation of prosperity and strength that is unrivaled around the globe. For that, we salute our leaders, thank our troops and appreciate the freedoms and liberties that Washington and Lincoln fought to establish and preserve. The question we must each ask of ourselves is “what kind of nation will we pass along to the next generation of Americans?”
Happy Presidents Day, America.
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