On this 4th of July, 2021, and every day, Abraham Lincoln’s words spoken at the dedication of the Gettysburg Battlefield in November of 1863 are well worth recalling. May we honor these words, just as we honor those who gave their lives to defend the principles upon which our nation was founded. May we continue to defend these principles, by accepting and learning from the truth, even when it is painful.
“But, 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. ”
Let us remember that as Americans, true patriotic duty is expressed not by proclaiming our country to be flawless, but instead to work together, despite our differences, toward a more perfect Union.
Happy 4th of July!
While watching a PBS show today, July 4, 2021, I heard a commentator say that Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is recognized world wide as the best political speech ever given, ever.
I’ve heard that, too, Helen. I wish more speech writers would take note of its length–about three minutes!