WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, embodies the essence of the American Spirit, guided his country through a tragic but redemptive period in American history that ended slavery and preserved the Union, and planned for a post-Civil War peace that would have been conducted "with malice toward none and charity for all;" and
     WHEREAS, In 1849, Abraham Lincoln was offered the governorship of Oregon Territory, of which the state of Washington was once a part, but he declined so that he could pursue his legal and political career in Illinois; and
     WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln nonetheless contributed to the development of the state of Washington, the great Northwest, and indeed the entire nation by his support for the Homestead Act, the establishment of land grant colleges, and the launching of the Northern Pacific Railroad; and
     WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln's territorial appointees, especially to the Supreme Court of Washington Territory, were noteworthy for their trustworthiness and competence; and
     WHEREAS, In previous recognition of his exemplary life and commitment to duty, the Washington Territorial Legislature created Lincoln County in 1883;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth and celebrate the life and accomplishments of this remarkable citizen, president, and inspirational American.