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Abraham Lincoln, perhaps our greatest President gives us insight into leadership. |
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Clearly Abraham Lincoln is considered one of the great US Presidents of all time. From his humble log cabin beginnings to his martyrdom, his intellect, determination, humility, wit, and savvy is recognized. His determination to keep the nation together during the civil war, his prowess in stopping the bloodshed, and most importantly his Emancipation Proclamation are hallmarks of his shortened presidency.
His birthday was first recognized in 1866, just a few years after his death. At a ceremony in the Capital building, President Andrew Johnson, his cabinet, and many other dignitaries were present. It wasn't until 1892, however, before it was officially recognized and that was in the state of Illinois only. Other states soon followed suit, but it wasn't until Lincoln's one hundredth birthday that Congress officially sanctioned the holiday.
Today, while it is still recognized, its formal observance has been combined with George Washington's birthday in a mid month celebration called Presidents' Day. |
