As time moves on, new wars rage and new presidents approach the podium. Different presidents have been recognized and remembered for different reasons, but only a chosen few have left an unmistakable mark on our nation's history. Abraham Lincoln is among those who should be honored. His influence and image are still ever-present in our society and generations of citizens are still held within his watchful gaze.
His lanky frame, made even taller with the help of his infamous stovepipe hat, watches over us from places as simple as a shining stack of copper change, and as monumental as his massive seat in Washington. While these tokens and memorials are often observed, it is not until a moment significance arises that we remember to truly honor the life behind the artifacts.
The upcoming Lincoln Bicentennial is one of those moments to stop and take the time to notice the man, husband, father, leader and Kentucky-born president Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln Bicentennial, which will begin with the inaugural event on Feb. 12, 2008, leads up to the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth on Feb. 12, 2009, and continues to be celebrated up until the Feb 12, 2010 closing of the bicentennial commemoration. The span of the bicentennial is an opportunity for all Americans to recognize the influence, impact and rise, rather than the abrupt and sorrowful fall, of the 16th president of the United States.
Bicentennial events for all ages are occurring all over the nation with an emphasis being placed on Kentucky, the state where Lincoln was born and raised until age 7, and Illinois, the state where Lincoln spent the latter years of his life. As Illinois is Lincoln's final resting place, the influence of Kentucky is sometimes forgotten or diminished. However the state has no plans to let this milestone go unnoticed. A series of independent projects and events endorsed and or sponsored by the National Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (NALBC) and the Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (KALBC) is in the works.
It all begins in Hodgenville, Ky., location of the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site, and host of the "Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Inaugural Event" at the launch of a two-year bicentennial celebration. Amidst the music of the American Spiritual Ensemble and Saxton's Cornet Band, other special guest speakers include Gov. Steven L. Beshear, Sam Waterson, star of TV's Law and Order and Pulitzer Prize winner Doris Kearns Goodwin.
There is also history outside of Hodgenville. Lexington will take part in the commemoration as well. Some of Lexington's Lincoln history includes the Mary Todd Lincoln House and Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate.
The Kentucky Humanities Council is a member of the Lexington Lincoln Celebration committee and will be hosting an event on Feb. 10. The event, titled "Our Lincoln" will take place at the Singletary Center for the Arts with Nick Clooney as the emcee.
Executive Director of the Kentucky Humanities Council, Virginia Smith, remarked on the event by stating that "Our Lincoln" and other bicentennial events will tremendously "expand our way of telling Kentucky story." She also commented on the purpose of the bicentennial, saying, "Kentucky has a long history of not getting credit for the history and culture of the entire nation; this (the bicentennial) will help correct this."
More specifically, "Our Lincoln" will be showcasing new works that will be coming to Lexington and the state over the next few years. The Kentucky Opera will be performing an excerpt from "River of Time" showcasing Lincoln as a young man; one that Smith said shows how "his early years and his Kentucky connection informed his decisions." A five-minute vignette of "One Man's Lincoln," where Lincoln's law partner Billy Herndon tells the "truth" about Lincoln, will also be introduced. Other entertainment includes music from the American Spiritual Ensemble, Lexington Singers and Children's Choir, and the Lexington Philharmonic. The introductions of these acts in "Our Lincoln," as well as their presentations throughout the year, are all an attempt for Kentucky and Lexington to "reclaim Lincoln," says Smith.
Lexington's Central Library will be a location of much celebration during the bicentennial as well. Their grand kickoff will begin later in the year when they will have the opportunity to host the "Forever Free" exhibit. This exhibit will focus on young Lincoln's America, the House dividing, war for the Union, the Emancipation Proclamation, the role of black soldiers in the Civil War, and the final months of the war and Lincoln's life. Rare historical documents, period photographs and illustrative material, such as engravings, lithographs, cartoons and political ephemera will all be items included in the exhibit.
The exhibit will travel to a total of 63 libraries over the course of the bicentennial and reach Lexington for the six-week span of Aug. 8-21.
While discussing Lexington's Lincoln history and the purpose of "Forever Free," Central Library's Exhibits Coordinator, Peggy McAllister, said, "We have so many tiesÖKentucky is such an important element in the Civil War." It is said that during the Civil War, Lincoln was noted as saying, "I hope to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky."
Despite these words and Lincoln's rich Kentucky history it is still a story that McAllister says, "Many people in town don't realize." The "Forever Free" exhibit is a step toward changing this mentality. McAllister said many bicentennial celebrations will surround the "Forever Free" exhibit. Coinciding with the exhibit there will be activities for all ages including walking tours of Lexington, panel discussions, lessons, a ball with the Vintage Dance Society, a possible Civil War encampment in Phoenix Park and a gallery hop.
The Lexington Humanities Council and the Lexington Central Library are only two of the many event leaders for Lexington. The Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra will be sponsoring programs throughout the course of the bicentennial and other local historical sites will be hosting events as well. Most events, including the inaugural, are open to all ages and free of charge. There are many opportunities to learn and embrace Lincoln's history over the course of the next two years.
I found no better way to summarize Lincoln's being than through the words of Carl Sandburg in an address to a joint session of Congress on Feb. 12, 1959-the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth: "Not often in the story of mankind does a man arrive on earth who is both steel and velvet, who is as hard as a rock and as drifting as fog, who holds in his heart and mind the paradox of terrible storm and peace unspeakable and perfect."
Now that our nation embarks upon the bicentennial of his birth we must take this description even deeper and discover the history behind the man and his actions once again. We are all linked through this Lincoln Bicentennial celebration and the freedoms that his presidency made possible.