Abraham Lincoln
Digital News Report- Today marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States of America. Celebrations are occurring all around the country, particularly in Philadelphia, where Mayor Michael A. Nutter commemorated him with a proclamation honoring his birthday. They also announced Lincoln 200, the official bicentennial celebration planned for the 4th of July holiday.
“Philadelphia is known the world over as the birthplace of the United States,” said co-founders Mary L Hagy. “Lincoln 200 will reveal a new side of our history: Philadelphia’s crucial supporting role in preserving the Union. Visitors may come for the Founding story, but we want to give them a great reason to come back: Lincoln’s Philadelphia story.”
Lincoln visited Philadelphia four times, including the historic pause at Independence Hall on Feb. 22, 1861, a hallmark of his inaugural train journey. Lincoln honored George Washington’s birthday and the founders as he raised a flag to recognize the newest addition to the Union: the state of Kansas. He told those gathered that he had, “never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence.”
The United States Postal Service is also getting into the celebration as they’ve released four First-Class commemorative 42-cent stamps available as of today. They were dedicated at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, IL, by Postmaster General John Potter and Assistant Majority Leader Senator Richard J. Durbin (D-IL).
“When Americans are asked to pick our greatest president, two names are always at the top of the list: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln,” explained Potter. “In Washington, DC, that opinion is carved in stone. The Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol stand out in single file along the National Mall.”
Each stamp features a different aspect of his life including the Rail-Splitter, which is the earliest photograph of the President taken in 1846. There is also the Lawyer, the Politician, and the President stamps, which depict him in each of those roles.
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