2004-2-8
Broadcst: February 9, 2004
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ANNCR:
Welcome to THIS IS AMERICA, in VOA Special English. Next Monday
is a holiday that honors American presidents. I'm Shirley Griffith.
Today Rich Kleinfeldt and I tell about one of America's greatest
presidents, Abraham Lincoln.
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VOICE ONE:
Americans celebrate Presidents Day each year on the third Monday
of February. But they did not always do so. They used to observe the
birthdays of two of the greatest American presidents, George
Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Both men were born in the month of
February. Abraham Lincoln's birthday is February twelfth. George
Washington's is February twenty-second.
In Nineteen-Seventy-One, Congress approved a law that affected
some national holidays. It changed the official celebration of the
holiday to the Monday closest to the real date. The birthdays of the
two presidents were celebrated on one day – the third Monday in
February. Later, Congress said the holiday would honor all American
presidents.
VOICE TWO:
Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth American president. He is
considered one of the greatest leaders of all time. Abraham Lincoln
was born in Kentucky in Eighteen-Oh-Nine. He grew up in Illinois.
His family was poor and had no education. Abraham Lincoln taught
himself what he needed to know. He became a lawyer. He served in the
Illinois state legislature and in the United States Congress. In
Eighteen-Sixty, he was elected to the country's highest office.
VOICE ONE:
President Lincoln led the United States during the Civil War
between the northern and southern states. This was the most serious
crisis in American history. President Lincoln helped end slavery in
the nation. And he helped keep the American union from splitting
apart during the war. President Lincoln believed that he proved to
the world that democracy can be a lasting form of government.
VOICE TWO:
In Eighteen-Sixty-Three, President Lincoln gave what became his
most famous speech. Union armies of the north had won two great
victories that year. They defeated the Confederate armies of the
south at Vicksburg, Mississippi and at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Ceremonies were held to honor the dead soldiers at a burial place on
the Gettysburg battlefield.
President Lincoln spoke at Gettysburg for only about two minutes.
But his speech has never been forgotten. Historians say the speech
defined Americans as a people who believed in freedom, democracy and
equality.
Abraham Lincoln wrote some of the most memorable words in
American history. He was murdered a few days after the Civil War
ended, in Eighteen-Sixty-Five. Yet his words live on.
VOICE ONE:
In Nineteen-Forty-Two, orchestra conductor Andre Kostelanitz
asked composer Aaron Copland to write a piece of music about Abraham
Lincoln. Copland was one of the best modern American composers. He
wrote many kinds of music. His music told stories about the United
States.
Aaron Copland wrote "Lincoln Portrait" to honor the president.
Copland's music included parts of American folk songs and songs
opular during the Civil War. Here is the Seattle Symphony playing
part of "Lincoln Portrait."
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VOICE TWO:
Aaron Copland added words from President Lincoln's speeches and
letters to his "Lincoln Portrait." It has been performed many times
in the United States. Many famous people have read the words. To
celebrate Presidents Day, here is actor James Earl Jones reading
part of Aaron Copland's "Lincoln Portrait."
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"Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history." 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"…
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."
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."
VOICE ONE:
This program was written by Shelley Gollust. It was produced by
Lawan Davis. Our engineer was Al Alevy.
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VOICE TWO:
And I'm Rich Kleinfeldt. Join us again next week for another
report about life in the United States on the VOA Special English
program, THIS IS AMERICA.