LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION recognizing the 200th Anniversary of the birth of
Abraham Lincoln

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in acknowledging
significant milestones in the distinguished lives of esteemed Americans;
and
WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in
Hardin County, Kentucky; and
WHEREAS, The self-educated Lincoln served with honor as a Captain
during the Black Hawk War; and
WHEREAS, Lincoln was elected to the Illinois legislature and served
for eight years; and
WHEREAS, In 1858, he ran for United States Senator against Stephen
Douglas, forever gaining fame and admiration for his exceptional skill
in debating his opponent and helping position him to earn the 1860 Pres-
idential nomination;and
WHEREAS, President-elect Lincoln addressed the New York State Legisla-
ture in February of 1861 on his way to assume the office of the Presi-
dency; and
WHEREAS, As the Civil War progressed, President Lincoln showed remark-
able ability as a strong and competent leader; and
WHEREAS, On January 1, 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation,
declaring forever free those slaves within the Confederacy; New York
State is a proud owner of a preliminary draft of this historic document
and displayed it in the New York State Capitol in 2006; and
WHEREAS, Lincoln won re-election as President in 1864; and
WHEREAS, New York's Abraham Lincoln Heritage Trail marks the locations
throughout the State that "Honest Abe" visited during his presidency;
and
WHEREAS, His life was tragically martyred on Good Friday, April 14,
1865; he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a Southern sympathizer,
at Washington D.C.'s Ford's Theatre; and
WHEREAS, Lincoln played a critical role in the survival of our Nation
and the end of slavery and his legacy should forever be remembered; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Capital District Civil War Round Table.