Perhaps on February 12 we should all make a quick trip to Mount Rushmore. Besides the obvious pull of this world-known monument, this specific date marks a bicentennial of an event important for the entire nation.

Wondering what we have the privilege of commemorating?

This would be the birth of Abraham Lincoln, our 16th and arguably most important president, born in 1809.

Why the emphasis on Lincoln’s birthday? Just to give you a brief recap of his service to the United States, Abe took office in 1861, during the disunion of the country and managed to keep the nation together after four years of civil war.  He was known for his strong, honest and simple values (Hence, “Honest Abe”).

Dan Wenk, former Rushmore superintendent and acting director of the National Park Service further exemplifies the importance of Lincoln by stating, “As a nation we celebrate the birth and achievements of this great American because of what he means to the nation, to the world, and to the many individuals that his life has inspired.”

To pay your respect and show pride in the life of one of our nation’s most revered leaders, maybe consider keeping Gutzon Borglum’s famed sculpting in mind. Also, for more information on the life of Abraham Lincoln and the Lincoln Bicentennial, browse through the sites listed below.

www.nps.gov/pub_aff/lincoln200/index.html
www.abrahamlincoln200.org/