Lincoln often wondered if he would be remember, if he would make his mark on the world and if he would have an impact. Certainly an absurd notion in modern times, but a real fear for an ambitious man who was also filled with self doubt.
Lincoln had more of an impact on the course of the United States and the lives of Americans with the possible exceptions of George Washington and the Founding Fathers who gave birth to the United States.
No other president face the challenges Lincoln faced. Within the first month his first term as president in 1861, the country was ripped in two. Everything the Founding Fathers fought for was torn away, and the United States as we know it could have ceased to exist.
Lincoln prevented that from happening. Not only did he fight to bring the Union back together, but he was able to make the fight more about a country. He made it about the soul of the American people. He preserved the United States and gave freedom to an entire race of people by ending the institution of slavery.
There are myriad moments that clearly illustrate the impact of Abraham Lincoln. Some too big not to notice, such as his face on Mount Rushmore, some so small they can be missed in a blink, like his face on a penny. But one moment does to bring Lincoln’s life and his legacy full circle.
On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, was sworn into office. Obama, the first black president, was sworn in 150 years after the death of Abraham Lincoln.
But the Great Emancipator was present that day in Washington, D.C. During the inauguration, Obama placed his hand on the same Bible Lincoln placed his hand on in 1861.