Have Faith In Massachusetts Lincoln Day Proclamation
by Calvin Coolidge
JANUARY 30, 1919
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts By His Excellency Calvin Coolidge,
Governor
A PROCLAMATION
Fivescore and ten years ago that Divine Providence which infinite
repetition has made only the more a miracle sent into the world a new
life, destined to save a nation. No star, no sign, foretold his coming.
About his cradle all was poor and mean save only the source of all great
men, the love of a wonderful woman. When she faded way in his tender
years, from her deathbed in humble poverty she dowered her son with
greatness. There can be no proper observance of a birthday which forgets
the mother. Into his origin as into his life men long have looked and
wondered. In wisdom great, but in humility greater, in justice strong,
but in compassion stronger, he became a leader of men by being a
follower of the truth. He overcame evil with good. His presence filled
the Nation. He broke the might of oppression. He restored a race to its
birthright. His mortal frame has vanished, but his spirit increases with
the increasing years, the richest legacy of the greatest century.
Men show by what they worship what they are. It is no accident that
before the great example of American manhood our people stand with
respect and reverence. And in accordance with this sentiment our laws
have provided for a formal recognition of the birthday of Abraham
Lincoln, for in him is revealed our ideal, the hope of our country
fulfilled.
Now, therefore, by the authority of Massachusetts, the 12th day of
February is set apart as
LINCOLN DAY
and its observance recommended as befits the beneficiaries of his life
and the admirers of his character, in places of education and worship
wherever our people meet one with another.
Given at the Executive Chamber, in Boston, this 30th day of
January, in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and
nineteen, and of the independence of the United States of America
the one hundred and forty-third.
