In 1861, with several southern states seceding from the United States, the newly inaugurated President Abraham Lincoln encouraged, “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.” While it is easy to speak the words, Lincoln also set an example, naming his political rivals, including an abolitionist from New York and a former slaveholder from Missouri, to his cabinet where he listened to disparate views and built bridges throughout his presidency.
On President’s Day, we celebrate in gratitude leaders who during dark days have set aside anger and hostility and encouraged us to listen, have faith in liberty, remember all that we share and give heed to “the better angels of our nature.”
