February 11, 2009

OLYMPIA…Tomorrow Senate Republicans will celebrate the bicentennial of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth with a resolution on the Senate floor, a special lecture on Lincoln and other aspects of American history, and the unveiling of a photo gallery of Republican African-American leaders who labored with Lincoln in his quest for emancipation and others who carried forward his dream in subsequent years.  

“As the great emancipator, President Lincoln transformed the promises of America so they were available to all citizens of our country,” said Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla. “He did many things for our country that have lasted over time, including putting the words “In God We Trust” on our coins and opening up the West for settlement to those without wealth. But the greatest gift he gave us was freedom for all citizens. It’s important for us to celebrate this great American hero, the legacy he left us and the principles he espoused that still guide us today.” 

The public and media are invited to Thursday’s events:

• 8 a.m. (approx.):  Resolution in honor of Lincoln’s 200^th birthday will be read on the Senate floor; remarks by senators

• Noon:  Lecture on President Lincoln and related aspects of American history. Speaker will be Mike Allen, Professor of History and American Studies at the University of Washington, Tacoma. Lecture will take place in the Irv Newhouse Building conference room (Room B-2), 215 Sid Snyder Ave. SW, in Olympia.

• 1 p.m. (immediately following the lecture):  Unveiling of photo gallery, Irv Newhouse Building main (first) floor, 215 Sid Snyder Ave. SW, in Olympia.

Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, introduced the Senate resolution honoring President Lincoln’s birthday. 

“Abraham Lincoln is one of this nation’s most beloved presidents,” said Honeyford. “Lincoln not only preserved the union and prepared the nation for peaceful reconciliation; he also removed the stain of slavery from our nation and brought us one step closer to fulfilling the promises of our founding. For that, more than anything else, we owe him not only our remembrance, but also our sincere thanks.” 

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For interviews or more information contact Senate Republican Caucus Communications Director Rebecca Japhet at (360) 786-7516; cell (360) 628-6836 or Japhet.Rebecca@leg.wa.gov