Revisit the past, influence the future
Originally published 9 years ago, this post is just as relevant today.
Recently I attended a book discussion about Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens by Richard Haass. Even though I haven’t read the book yet, I was looking forward to the gathering because American history — especially when it intersects with civility and personal responsibility — is a longtime interest of mine.
Haass says the way forward for America is to place obligations (which I think of as responsibilities) on the same footing as rights. I’m eager to read the book and hear him expand on that idea.
At the end of the discussion, we all read aloud The Gettysburg Address. This reminded me of my blog post from February 2015 (reposted below), in which I talked about a moving and powerful Ken Burns documentary called The Address. I also linked a PDF of The Gettysburg Address with my original illustrations (based on photographs), so that you can memorize the address yourself. Or if you want a nice, pre-printed copy, just email me with your mailing address and I will be happy to send you one — no charge!
Below is my original post from February 15, 2015, with updated links.
Celebrate President's Day by learning the Gettysburg Address
In his documentary called The Address, Ken Burns shows us Vermont's Greenwood School, where each year students with learning disabilities are encouraged to memorize the Gettysburg Address. Over the course of the film, we get to see the transformation in the boys as they practice and eventually recite Lincoln's words in front of their classmates, the faculty, and their families.
Ken Burns suggests all Americans memorize the Gettysburg Address. I've designed and illustrated a booklet to help -- download a free copy here.
Happy President's Day!
