[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 15, 2015)]
[House]
[Pages H2254-H2255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING ABRAHAM LINCOLN
(Mr. CROWLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I was tempted to rise when my friend Mr.
McCarthy from California was speaking of the great, late President
Abraham Lincoln and his legacy--really, a dichotomy of a man, a very
complicated individual. We know of his great achievements, of ending
slavery, of maintaining our Union--great achievements--and very
difficult achievements for him as well, passing the 13th Amendment.
We think of how dysfunctional, maybe, Congress is today and the lack
of cooperation. Under the conditions that then-President Lincoln was
operating, it is a marvel that he was able to pass such incredible
legislation with such ramifications, and positively.
But I think one of the great things about Lincoln that oft times goes
unnoticed is one of the legacies that was unintended by himself
directly: he dies. He is shot on the 14th of April 1865. He dies on the
15th of April 1865.
One of the greatest things about Abraham Lincoln is, on the 16th of
April, the Sun rose again on the Republic of the United States, a
better nation for his having lived, but continued despite his absence.
How wonderful a legacy is that, that this Republic, greater than any
man or woman, lives on, a better place for him having lived.
May God rest the soul of Abraham Lincoln.
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