Happy Birthday Honest Abe

Today is President Abraham Lincoln's birthday. While he was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, Illinois claims him as its favorite (historic) son and celebrates that fact with an Official State Holiday.

Abrahm Lincoln's popularity is two-fold: he grew up poor on the American frontier and managed to become President, and he issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

Lincoln presided over America's bloodiest war resulting in terrible loss of life and property. His role in the deaths of his countrymen has largely been ignored. Rather, he has become a symbol of freedom and opportunity for all people and honest government, and for that reason alone his birthday is a good reason to celebrate.

For people more interested in history rather than symbols, there are some interesting websites on slavery in the North, secession, and some odd plans for black Americans.

Or perhaps you would enjoy reading the stories of Abraham Lincoln taught to schoolchildren, which are very appealing.