That is what Abraham Lincoln said....

I know, it's a bit early (5 days until his actual birthday and 10 days until it is officially celebrated) but I just wanted to post my favorite tribute to the man. It is called "Lincoln Portrait" and it is a Music/Narration piece composed by the American composer Aaron Copeland. If you don't know the piece you should try to get a recording of it. My favorite, the one that I have, has the narration done by James Earl Jones. So as you read this, imagine the melancholy music of Aaron Copeland playing in the background and imagine that a deep baritone voice, like that of James Earl Jones, is reading it........

Music......


"Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history." That is what he said, That is what Abraham Lincoln said: "Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history. We of this Congress and this administration will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance or insignificance can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation. We - even we here - hold the power and bear the responsibility" …

Music....

Lincoln was a quiet man. Abe Lincoln was a quiet and melancholy man. 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, to the extent of the difference, is no democracy."

Music....

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

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

Music...


And there is much more.
4,922 views 6 replies
Reply #1 Top
sounds like Abe alright
Reply #2 Top
I found a recording at my local library, which also included my favorite Copeland peice "Fanfare for the Common Man."

James Earl Jones did the reading.

Can't wait to listen to it. Thank you, Motion.

Powered by SkinBrowser!
Reply #3 Top
My pleasure Larry. I've always found the piece inspiring. Uplifting. Even makes me feel like a patriotic American. (And I'm a Canadian. )

"Fanfare" is also a favorite of mine. I also love "Rodeo Suite". Makes you want to get up and dance.

Powered by SkinBrowser!
Reply #4 Top
motion, I know what you mean. During the holidays, I went to visit the in-laws near Phillie. And I told my wife that since the 5 years we've been married, I have never visited her city. So, anyway, I visited Phillie, and went in the tours, saw the Independance Bell, the place where the declaration of Independance was signed, watched a short movie about the Independance.

Anyway, all this to say that after a few hours, I almost felt proud to be American... although I'm Canadian.
Reply #6 Top
Exactly paxx. I've been to Phillie too. And aside from the CheeseSteak sandwiches and the Flyers, my favorite things to see were the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the Ben Franklin Museum.

Have also been to Boston. Saw the Old North Church and the site of the Tea Party. Gave me goosebumps.

Funny thing is, I live in Kingston Ontario, Canada. Kind of the "Cradle" of Loyalist leanings. It's a conundrum.

Powered by SkinBrowser!