HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2002-4715, by Representatives Kessler and Mastin

       WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize excellence in all fields of endeavor; and

       WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States of America, exhibited the highest level of excellence in service and sacrifice to his country; and

       WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln demonstrated unimpeachable moral character in all matters, large or small, public or personal, thereby earning himself the nickname "Honest Abe"; and

       WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln was a gentleman from humble beginnings, having been raised in a log cabin, who cleared land and split rails as a young man, and although he later attained great stature in public life, he never lost touch, empathy, or the values he shared with the common person; and

       WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln exemplified the greatest tenacity, perseverance, and acumen in scholastic and professional endeavors, illustrated by the fact that he educated himself in the profession of law and following an apprenticeship earned a well-deserved reputation as a skilled, talented, and respected member of the bar; and

       WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln continues to be known and admired for his eloquent and accomplished oratory of viewpoints, which were always rooted in the truest principles of liberty and justice, and which are perhaps best illustrated in his debate opposing slavery with Judge Stephen A. Douglas and by the delivery of what has become known as the Gettysburg Address, which honored the magnitude of the cost of liberty; and

       WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln believed the republican form of government established by the Founding Fathers was the best means of ensuring freedom from despotic government, and he became the father of the Republican Party dedicated to maintaining the truest principles of constitutional representation under the rule of law; and

       WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln unselfishly gave of himself throughout his long and distinguished commitment to public service to his fellow citizens, which included judicial service in the Eighth Circuit, as a member of the Illinois State Legislature, as a member of the United States Congress, and as the President of the United States of America; and

       WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln courageously issued the famous Emancipation Proclamation Act of 1862, adopted by Congress later that same year, which valued the citizenship and respected the freedom of all persons regardless of race or color; and

       WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln, while President of the United States, did valiantly and nobly issue yearly Proclamations of National Prayer Day, duly adopted by Congress, that recognized that the pursuits of Nations and Governments, as well as those of men, are dependent upon the solemn guidance and reverent will of God; and

       WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln, within one month of being inaugurated as President, faced the mighty challenge of a Civil War ... which tore at the fabric of the union, pitting brother against brother, family against family ... with a love of liberty and a firm assurance in the divine providence as his guide and support for the nation; and

       WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln steadfastly directed the campaign to victory in the Civil War, held malice toward none and a charity of spirit toward all, believed with conviction and firmness in the right and just, helped bind this great nation together and heal its wounds, and gave to us a just and lasting peace; and

       WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln suffered an untimely death, just five days after bringing the Civil War to an end in April 1865, at the hands of an assassin, tragically ending the life of a man who gave of himself to his country unselfishly, charitably, graciously, and patriotically for all causes that were just, noble, and honorable and that sought liberty and freedom for all; and

       WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln's own words are inscribed into the walls of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.: "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.";

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington honor the 16th President of these United States for his faith, character, ideals, and contributions, which continue to poignantly and presently inspire the best within the hearts of men and women everywhere, and which will continue to do so for generations to come.

              I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

              4715 Resolution adopted by the House of Representatives

                                February 26, 2002.

                           _____________________________

                           Cynthia Zehnder, Chief Clerk