“Fellow-citizens, we cannot escape history. We of this Congress and this administration, will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance, or insignificance, can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation.”
More from Abraham Lincoln
“Don't kneel to me, that is not right. You must kneel to God only, and thank him for the…”
“It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from…”
“In reference to you, colored people, let me say God has made you free. Although you have…”
“My poor friends, you are free, free as air. You can cast off the name of slave and trample…”