Lincoln Made My Story Possible: Obama

Library of Congress mark bicentennial with special exhibit

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 12, 2009 5:09 PM CST

(Newser) – President Obama and Congress marked the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth today, with Obama reflecting on how Lincoln's vision led to his own success, CNN reports. "I can say that I feel a special gratitude to this singular figure who in so many ways made my own story possible—and who in so many ways made America's story possible," Obama said at a ceremony at the Capitol.

Obama will travel to Springfield, Ill., later to honor Lincoln in his hometown. The Library of Congress unveiled an exhibition of several Lincoln artifacts to mark the occasion. On display are a letter Lincoln wrote in defense of the Emancipation Proclamation, a “Wanted” poster for John Wilkes Booth, and a letter from a young girl urging candidate Lincoln to grow a beard.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

President Barack Obama leaves the podium in the Capitol Rotunda. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

President Barack Obama bows his head during a prayer prior to making remarks at a ceremony celebrating Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday Thursday in the Capitol Rotunda. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

President Barack Obama and others sing the national anthem during a ceremony celebrating Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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President Lincoln was honored by the current president in the place of Lincoln's assassination. At the newly-renovated Ford's Theatre in Washington, President Barack Obama hailed Lincoln for uniting the country after the Civil War. (AssociatedPress)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 2 of 2 comments

atris999

Feb 13, 2009 12:53 AM CST

Whatever happened to preserving the Union?

Guest

Feb 12, 2009 5:33 AM CST

Yes. True. But, Nancy Pelosi will set you back if left unchecked. Gotta tame that thing or we're in for fo mo years of trouble. And then the right comes back and does their thing and then the left comes back and so on and so on. Someone has to take charge and be the leader. If he signs this Pelosi atrocity so called stimulus plan she wins and Obama along with the rest of the country looses. AGAIN!!!! Send it back and make them do it right. We cannot afford to keep making these mistakes "Along Party Lines"

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Barack Obama • Congress • Capitol Hill • Abraham Lincoln • bicentennial • Lincoln • President Obama

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Lincoln Made My Story Possible: Obama