John Ensign: “194 years ago this week, a son was born to Nancy and Thomas Lincoln in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. That son, Abraham, would…”

“194 years ago this week, a son was born to Nancy and Thomas Lincoln in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. That son, Abraham, would go on to become President of the United States at one of the most defining times in our Nation's history. President Lincoln is still revered today for his leadership and vision of a country in which all citizens have the opportunity to succeed. In 1864, when the outcomes of the war and his re-election were in question, he asked soldiers from Ohio's 66th regiment to stop at the White House on their way home so he could express his appreciation. President Lincoln shared with them the following: ``I beg you to remember this . . . I happen temporarily to occupy this big White House. I am a living witness that any one of your children may look to come here as my father's child has. It is in order that each of you may have through this free government which we have enjoyed, an open field and a fair chance for your industry, enterprise and intelligence; that you may all have equal privileges in the race of life, with all its desirable human aspirations. It is for this the struggle would be maintained, that we may not lose our birthright . . . The nation is worth fighting for, to secure such an inestimable jewel.''”