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Lincoln's Gettysburg Address: A Lesson for America Today

Posted by Patrick on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:45:02 PM

by Patrick J Z

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal..."

Lincoln gave his memorable address in 1863 as he surveyed the hallowed fields of Gettysburg. This 19th day of November marks the 145th anniversary of what was one of the greatest and shortest pieces of oratory ever delivered by a statesman. Both the carnage of the bloody battle fought there a few months earlier, and the poetic eloquence of the sixteenth president, can teach us some valuable lessons as to what, and who, we are as a nation.

First we are a nation conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition of equality. Every class of our citizenry now has the opportunity to excel. This is becoming more obvious with each new decade. The progress we have made concerning our "liberties" over the past 200 plus years has proven that our determination to make this idealism a reality is authentic. In addition, when confronted with obstacles, Americans have found ways to surmount them. From securing civil rights for the disenfranchised, to pulling out of the great depression, or finding the necessary technology needed in the advancement of medicine and science, we have found the right answers by the very fact of our dedicated proposition for equality. Let us continue to do so.

"...Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure..."

Second, testings will come. 2008 is no different than1863. With foreign issues becoming more dicey and domestic problems increasing, this country is headed straight for a storm that may prove just as volatile. Are we so conceived, and so dedicated, that we may endure? We have passed these tests throughout the history of our constitution time and time again. Our greatest woe may very well be just over the horizon. In his second inaugural address, Lincoln revealed the profound remedy for securing domestic peace and improving our chances of success in every trial, no matter how severe: "...with malice toward none, with charity for all..."

"...that we here highly resolve that these dead shall have not died in vain...."

Third, our struggles are not in vain. Americans fight for what they believe is right. Yet, right or wrong, the effort, blood, heartache, is not wasted. When "We the People" seek positive solutions and healing, justice and righteousness, then our dire experiences, what ere they may be, are not without purpose.

On this anniversary of the address that solemnized one of the most horrific battles waged on our soil, we can take heart from Lincoln's insights as we move through the ominous days looming over us. Liberty, dedication, honor, victory are awaiting this nation when we choose to seek for them. A new day... a new birth.

"...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, will not perish from the earth."

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