January 2013 Patriotic Instructors Page :
The Momentum of History 1863-2013
As we enter this Momentous Year of 2013, we are reminded of Our History, Their (The Boys in Blue) Sacrifice, and why it is important to remember and Honor all the special anniversary’s that will soon be upon us. January 1,2013 marked the 150th Anniversary of The Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Lincoln. It was as in his own words the correct course for The Union to follow. He said, “Let us have faith that right makes might, and that in faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.”
The President had decided that it was long overdue to take a stand against the evil of Slavery, but he also knew it would be his first task to keep The Union together. The defeat of slavery would be he argued one result of The Union Victory in preserving the Nation. Today, we have many thoughts about the efforts and results of The War, but as Lincoln so eloquently said later that Year in The New National Cemetery at Gettysburg, ” Now we are engaged in a great civil war testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure.” The President knew in his mind and heart that our National Calamity was going to make us or break us.
His Leadership and Courage showed us all that The Union was worth saving and preserving! The terrible cost of many lives was so difficult for not only the Country, but also for The Man personally. He wrote many letters to many citizens and was deeply affected by the deaths of so many people. It affected him both physically and spiritually. Deep within him, he found the strength to continue to lead us through to the end of the war. As we progress through this year, we will see in other areas how this leadership and strength kept us going and helped end the War.
The Emancipation Proclamation was The One Event Lincoln thought he might be remembered for. In very prophetic words that he spoke before he was President , Abraham Lincoln said ” I leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosoms until there shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created free and equal” As he later experienced this sacred effort cost him and The Nation we love many lives. including his own.
LEST WE FORGET!
God Bless President Lincoln and all who were our Boys in Blue.
God Bless Them and our Nation Always.
In F,C,&L John W. Bates National Patriotic Instructor