In trying to figure out the best way to express my feelings in a post about the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, I think I’ve stepped back a bit in my own memory. In my youth, Lincoln was, quite honestly, a significant factor in developing my interest in the American Civil War. I can still recall the first day I walked up the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. I can’t possibly come close to explaining the thrill that it gave me as, if memory serves me, a six or seven year old. I still have an “original relic” from that day… my very first book about Lincoln and that era of history. It sits as a personal treasure on my bookshelf.
This past May (on my birthday, no less), I revisited those old feelings when I had the opportunity to visit Lincoln’s birthplace in Kentucky. While the site itself was a bit less than I had hoped for, I was still moved. In fact, if I had the time, I was ready to take the Lincoln trail into Indiana and see the home of his youth, but time just didn’t permit it.
Growing-up Southern did not negatively impact my reflections on Lincoln. He was still a hero of my youth, as was Robert E. Lee. While I did not know the difference then, I know now that both the facts and the myths behind both men impacted me in positive ways in my “formative” years. Even now, the men still serve as points of inspiration for different reasons, the only difference now is that I can see that neither man was without imperfections… and that’s a good thing. They were human. They are not now the same mythological characters of my youth. They are now, more real to me. Perhaps that is more important to me now, at this point in my life, because I am more able to recognize my own imperfections.
Nonetheless, with no flags flying, no Civil War uniforms to adorn my person, no great parade down main street, and no robust speech to tell the greatness of these men and their respective causes, this is the humble manner in which I choose to reflect and remember both Lincoln and Lee on, as bizarre as it may seem to some, Lincoln’s 200th birthday.
Happy birthday, Mr. President.
*See my other post on Lincoln’s birthday at Southern Unionists Chronicles.
Crystal Marshall
February 12, 2009
Mr. Moore,
What a beautifully written post. We may have parades, speeches, and monuments, and that is all good and well, but at the end of day a few thoughtful, humble reflections and ponderings that we carry within our hearts may be the best way to honor our national heroes.
I, too, remember the first time I visited the Lincoln Memorial as a young teenager, almost starstruck as I gazed at the mortal statue representing what seemed to be an immortal man. On a return trip to DC last year, I visited the monument again, not expecting anything, figuring I had “been there, done that”. However, I was even more moved and touched than I had been on my first visit. Maybe it was because I was older, more learned, able to better comprehend his significance. But I think perhaps it was the same realization that occured to you as well–Lincoln was human. He was mortal. He struggled and grieved and bore the nation’s burdens as well as his own personal ones. And yet he was able to persevere and come through and accomplished what seemed to be impossible. And that gives me hope–that despite my own struggles I can persevere and succeed.
Those are my reflections on Lincoln’s birthday today, just as they were my reflections on that humid June day as I stood in Lincoln’s temple. I apologize for the long sentimental comment–but it did bring back fond memories of warm summer days as I shiver here in winter’s cold!
cenantua
February 12, 2009
Thanks Crystal… and no apology necessary. I’m glad you were able to say what you did in a long sentimental comment. Though we never knew him, it’s interesting how the memory of Lincoln brings a sense of warmth to a lot of us.
I’m not sure if you have seen an earlier post, but I also have great interest in Lincoln for the unusual family ties that I have with an event in his life. A little over a year ago, I realized that I had a distant cousin who was at Ford’s Theatre the night of the assasination. Not only was this cousin present, but he was one of the actors in the play. It’s strange how these sort of connections impact us, even as distant as they might be, but this particular “distant” connection made me feel a little closer to the tragedy that is so much a part of the story of Lincoln’s life.
Sherree Tannen
February 12, 2009
Yes, Robert. Thanks for a beautiful post for a beautiful man–Abraham Lincoln. I never could understand why anyone would refer to Lincoln as “ugly”. I have always found even his physical appearance extraordinary, and familiar–familiar in the sense that I have two uncles who looked very much like Lincoln in their youth. That memory has led me to some other thoughts, but I’ll save that for another day. Also, I–like you–was taken by my parents to the Lincoln Memorial as a young child. I remember very clearly thinking and feeling that Lincoln was my President and my hero, and I could just imagine him studying at night by a candle in his log cabin (I know, probably myth!!) since my ancestors’ log cabin built in 1787 still stood. Interesting how we all remember the past differently. Happy Birthday, Mr Lincoln!
Thanks for the post.
have a gtreat day.
Sherree
cenantua
February 12, 2009
Hi Sherree,
Lincoln’s pursuit of education was truly inspirational (even the image of his sitting by a fireplace at night reading… which I can still see in my head… must be in that book that I mentioned) and I recall it making me want to read, in general, a lot more. On the other hand, my grades in earlier years… not so much a reflection of Lincoln’s desire for education. :-)