Broadcst: February 9, 2004

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ANNCR:

Welcome to THIS IS AMERICA, in VOA Special English. Next Mondayis a holiday that honors American presidents. I'm Shirley Griffith.Today Rich Kleinfeldt and I tell about one of America's greatestpresidents, Abraham Lincoln.

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VOICE ONE:

Americans celebrate Presidents Day each year on the third Mondayof February. But they did not always do so. They used to observe thebirthdays of two of the greatest American presidents, GeorgeWashington and Abraham Lincoln. Both men were born in the month ofFebruary. Abraham Lincoln's birthday is February twelfth. GeorgeWashington's is February twenty-second.

In Nineteen-Seventy-One, Congress approved a law that affectedsome national holidays. It changed the official celebration of theholiday to the Monday closest to the real date. The birthdays of thetwo presidents were celebrated on one day – the third Monday inFebruary. Later, Congress said the holiday would honor all Americanpresidents.

VOICE TWO:

Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth American president. He isconsidered one of the greatest leaders of all time. Abraham Lincolnwas born in Kentucky in Eighteen-Oh-Nine. He grew up in Illinois.His family was poor and had no education. Abraham Lincoln taughthimself what he needed to know. He became a lawyer. He served in theIllinois state legislature and in the United States Congress. InEighteen-Sixty, he was elected to the country's highest office.

VOICE ONE:

President Lincoln led the United States during the Civil Warbetween the northern and southern states. This was the most seriouscrisis in American history. President Lincoln helped end slavery inthe nation. And he helped keep the American union from splittingapart during the war. President Lincoln believed that he proved tothe world that democracy can be a lasting form of government.

VOICE TWO:

In Eighteen-Sixty-Three, President Lincoln gave what became hismost famous speech. Union armies of the north had won two greatvictories that year. They defeated the Confederate armies of thesouth at Vicksburg, Mississippi and at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.Ceremonies were held to honor the dead soldiers at a burial place onthe Gettysburg battlefield.

President Lincoln spoke at Gettysburg for only about two minutes.But his speech has never been forgotten. Historians say the speechdefined Americans as a people who believed in freedom, democracy andequality.

Abraham Lincoln wrote some of the most memorable words inAmerican history. He was murdered a few days after the Civil Warended, in Eighteen-Sixty-Five. Yet his words live on.

VOICE ONE:

In Nineteen-Forty-Two, orchestra conductor Andre Kostelanitzasked composer Aaron Copland to write a piece of music about AbrahamLincoln. Copland was one of the best modern American composers. Hewrote many kinds of music. His music told stories about the UnitedStates.

Aaron Copland wrote "Lincoln Portrait" to honor the president.Copland's music included parts of American folk songs and songsopular during the Civil War. Here is the Seattle Symphony playingpart of "Lincoln Portrait."

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VOICE TWO:

Aaron Copland added words from President Lincoln's speeches andletters to his "Lincoln Portrait." It has been performed many timesin the United States. Many famous people have read the words. Tocelebrate Presidents Day, here is actor James Earl Jones readingpart of Aaron Copland's "Lincoln Portrait."

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"Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history." That is what AbrahamLincoln said: "Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history. We of thisCongress and this administration will be remembered in spite ofourselves. No personal significance or insignificance can spare oneor another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass will lightus down in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation. We – even wehere – hold the power and bear the responsibility"…

Lincoln was a quiet man. Abe Lincoln was a quiet and melancholyman. But, when he spoke of Democracy, this is what he said:

He said: "As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master.This expresses my idea of Democracy. Whatever differs from this, tothe extent of the difference, is no democracy."

Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth President of these United States, iseverlasting in the memory of his countrymen, for on the battlegroundat Gettysburg this is what he said:

He said: "That from these honored dead we take increased devotionto that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion:that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died invain; and that this nation under God, shall have a new birth offreedom; and that government of the people, by the people, and forthe people, shall not perish from the earth."

VOICE ONE:

This program was written by Shelley Gollust. It was produced byLawan Davis. Our engineer was Al Alevy.

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VOICE TWO:

And I'm Rich Kleinfeldt. Join us again next week for anotherreport about life in the United States on the VOA Special Englishprogram, THIS IS AMERICA.