Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- 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 -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863
Yes it is the Gettysburg address and all I ask today of everyone reading this is to look, read and try to understand the words and concepts. Not shortly after this speech Thanksgiving was made a national Holiday by President Lincoln in the hopes we would come together as families and friends and heal just a little from the great damage we do to one another over larger principles. I ask here today to all Americans to read these words, understand what the last great measure of devotion really means and try to understand that on all sides in all battles people are giving this devotion to ideas and principles. Policemen, Firemen, Soldiers and regular people stand against the odds for what they believe is right and give the last full measure of devotion every day. Honor them today by saying thank you to Them and God for giving us such people no matter which side they may fall. Honor yourself by understanding there are principles so great the challenge all boundaries such as love and peace and honor your family by teaching those principles to your children. I did not in my service give the last full measure of devotion but I know those who did, some of those hero’s would not agree with me politically but for all those people alive or dead who stand tall in the face of incredible odds for what is right, protect their nation or communities I say Thank you and I hope that in a small way I to will learn and act upon your example.
Happy Thanksgiving to all, those who agree and those who do not agree with me, I wish you peace and God’s blessings in your pursuit of happiness, May we all find peace and the ability to forgive each other and give thanks for our diversity each day.