[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 11] [Senate] [Pages 15383-15384] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]REMEMBERING ABRAHAM LINCOLN Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, born in a log cabin west of the Appalachians, Abraham Lincoln grew up in an average family with modest means. Yet despite only 18 months of education and family hardships, Lincoln's strength of character, persistence, and drive are among the many reasons he remains relevant to Americans today. Lincoln's legacy continues to impact the young and old alike even as our country changes and grows. In an attempt to celebrate the life of the great Abraham Lincoln, an essay contest was held in Illinois, ``The Land of Lincoln.'' Students across the State answered the question: Why is Abraham Lincoln still important today? The following essays celebrate the life and legacy of Lincoln and at the same time showcase the talent of young people across the great State of Illinois. I [[Page 15384]] congratulate Megan Hendrickson, Ahsan Jiva, and Hannah Binnion for their extraordinary essays, and I encourage all students to continue to explore the history and lessons of our remarkable 16th President. I ask unanimous consent to have the following three essays printed in the Record. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: Why Is Abraham Lincoln Still Important Today? (By Megan Hendrickson, Sixth Grade, Miss Jaskowiak) At the beginning of creation God created mankind in his own image with the intent that all would be treated equally. On January 1, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln established a document called the Emancipation Proclamation freeing the African American slaves from their slave owner's farms. But still, why is Abraham Lincoln still important today? First, Abe Lincoln abolished slavery. Next he kept the nation as one so we would act as one nation not two, and remain strong. Last but not least, Abe led the nation through the Civil War as Commander in Chief. President Abraham Lincoln put slavery to a halt when he signed the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery. Today, this has had a huge impact on us. The slavery halt is one of the reasons we have our 44th President Barrack Obama. If we still had slavery, we might be two separate nations, the North and the South, and many of the opportunities for African Americans that we have today, simply would not have been possible. When Abe stopped slavery it still didn't stop people from doing horrible things to people. Slavery had ended, but segregation and racial discrimination started. That was the worst part. Many of these things have taken more than a century to bring about change. We went through a time when African American people couldn't even go to school or ride on the bus with others, or they had to sit in the back. I believe if it weren't for Abraham Lincoln, some of these changes might not have even come about and we might still have segregation in schools and public transportation. I believe that Lincoln's feelings regarding race and equality were summed up when he said, ``but there is only one race, the human race.'' President Lincoln kept the country together at a time when the southern half of the nation was trying to separate from the Union over the issue of slavery. Lincoln said, ``This nation cannot exist half slave and half free'' and that ``A house divided against itself cannot stand.'' The quote is relative to Abraham Lincoln holding the nation in one or in other words us being one with each other as a nation. Had Lincoln not taken such a strong stand against slavery, and had the strength and courage to hold this country together, our country might not be what it is today. Lincoln held strong to his faith and beliefs even though he knew it would bring about the Civil War. Abe led the country through war as Commander in Chief, leading with pride and hope for our country. He had entered his Presidency with a task before him greater than he felt he himself could handle, but felt that with God's help and for the sake of our nation, he could not fail. Had Lincoln not had the courage to lead us into and through the Civil War, for the cause that he believed was right, where would our country be today? Our nation and the world only have one race, the human race. I believe that President Lincoln believed this, and took a stand on his beliefs that have had more than a hundred years of changes in our nation. We all can see why Abraham Lincoln is important today by looking at history and seeing the changes that have taken place over time regarding race and equality. We should all work together as one nation to continue President Abraham Lincoln's legacy and belief that all men are created equal. ____ Why Is Abraham Lincoln Still Important Today? (By Ahsan Jiva, Grade 5, Mrs. L. Anderson) Abraham Lincoln lived a great life. I don't think there will ever be a person as special and important as him. He helped stop slavery, he had famous speeches, and served as president. The list goes on and on. And that is why he still means so much to us today. Abraham Lincoln grew up in Hardin Country, Kentucky in 1809. As a child, Abraham Lincoln didn't go to school much, which to me is really hard to believe. When Lincoln grew older, the chopped rails and fences for a living. Even though he didn't go to college, he was still able to be a lawyer. After that he tried for the senate. But he didn't make it. Those are just some of the reasons why Lincoln is honored and respected today. After working a lot, Abraham Lincoln finally became the sixteenth president of the United States. He married Mary Todd Lincoln and had four children. He went against slavery and tried to prove that to people who didn't believe slavery should be stopped. He has once said, ``Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.'' He fought for the slaves' freedom in the Civil War and won. He signed the Emancipation Proclamation and set all the slaves free. But during the Civil War, Lincoln gave one of the most brilliant speeches of all time. It wasn't very long but it had tons of meaning. It was called the Gettysburg Address. He gave it after the brutal battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. That speech made him famous back then and what makes him important today. Even though he is not with us today, he is very hard to forget. He is on the penny and fiver dollar bill. He also has famous monuments made for him, such as the Lincoln Memorial and Mount Rushmore. He will especially remembered in Illinois, because he spent a lot of his time here. He's known for his tall hat and the first president with a beard. He was also fond of pets. He is known for his many quotes, such as ``I leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosom, until there shall no longer be doubt, that all men are created equal''. There are many more credentials of Abraham Lincoln, but I think I'll stop right there because I don't think there are enough pieces of paper to list all of Lincoln's accomplishments. Abraham Lincoln was living a great life but sadly it had to end because while he was enjoying a play at Fords Theater, he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth in 1865. He lived to be fifty-six years old. Lincoln's death broke the heart of many people. He was buried in Springfield, Illinois. Abraham Lincoln will be missed a lot. His death was very unfortunate, especially since he was in his second term as president. He was important in so many ways. Although he is not with us today he will be remembered forever. ____ Why Is Abraham Lincoln Still Important Today? (By Hannah Binnion, Grade 3, Miss Alday) Abraham Lincoln is still important today because he was honest. He had a customer that paid too much so he ran miles to give her extra change back. Abe didn't like slavery so he made a law when he was the president stating ``There was to be no more slaves.'' This law helped free slaves. It seemed that he cared not only for himself but for others as well. He wanted to avoid war at any cost it was difficult. President Lincoln liked to be funny and kind. He loved books for fun and to learn. Lincoln set an example that if we helped others even if their from different cultures we'll get along better. I feel this is why Abraham Lincoln is still important today. I feel that it is important for us to be honest and not think of people from different cultures as bad and different then we are because of who they are, we should be treated equal. Lincoln set an example that if we follow his example, it would make us and our community better. He helped us regain our freedom for our countries rights. ____________________