#abrahamlincoln

On July 16, 1882, Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Abraham Lincoln and First Lady of the United States from 1861 to 1865, died at the age of 63 in Springfield, Illinois. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1818, Mary became one of the most recognized women of the Civil War era as she stood beside her husband during one of the most turbulent periods in American history.

As First Lady, Mary faced intense public criticism while living in the White House during the Civil War. She supported Union causes, visited wounded soldiers, and used her position to aid the war effort, though her outspoken personality and personal spending habits often made her a controversial figure. Her life was forever changed by the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865, an event that left her devastated.

Marshall and I visited the new Abraham Lincoln statue on the McDonough County Courthouse Square in Macomb, Illinois on July 11th, 2026, and it’s genuinely a charming addition to the square. Most of the figure was cast in concrete from a vintage mold, but Lincoln’s right hand is cast in bronze so visitors can “shake” his hand—a small, thoughtful detail that makes the whole piece feel unexpectedly personal.

Marshall immediately noticed the book in Lincoln’s left hand: the Holy Bible. That detail ties beautifully into Lincoln’s legacy, since biblical themes shaped at least two of his most famous speeches—The House Divided Speech delivered at the Old State Capitol in Springfield on June 16, 1858, and The Gettysburg Address delivered at Gettysburg on November 19, 1863.

On July 7, 1865, four conspirators involved in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln were executed at the Fort Lesley J. McNair. Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell, David Herold, and George Atzerodt were hanged after being convicted by a military tribunal for their roles in the plot to kill the president.

As we celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary, let’s take a moment to reflect on the enduring ideals of freedom, hope, and opportunity that have shaped our nation’s story.“We hold these truths to be self-evident… that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”— Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776As Abraham Lincoln wisely said: “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not…

American Independence Day Independence Day of the American Nation, History, Celebrations, Curiosities, Quotes and Cultural Traditions. The United States of America is celebrating its 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4th, 2026. Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. Abraham Lincoln Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits. Thomas Jefferson Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living? Mahatma Gandhi The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion. Albert Camus This Independence Day, remind us that we have the freedom to become more culturally competent and free for business, finance and social human sake. Carl William Brown He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself. Thomas Paine Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech. Benjamin Franklin Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it. George Bernard Shaw

American Declaration of independence Independence Day is annually celebrated on July 4 and is often known as "the Fourth of July". It is the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States. Independence Day is a patriotic public holiday celebrated by Americans worldwide. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Independence was claimed on July 4, 1776, from Britain, at which time our Democracy was born. We are the “land of the free and home of the brave”. Independence Day is a day of family celebrations with picnics and barbecues, showing a great deal of emphasis on the American tradition of political freedom. Activities associated with the day include watermelon or hotdog eating competitions and sporting events, such as baseball games, three-legged races, swimming activities and tug-of-war games. We are a diverse nation, made up of a variety of dynamic people. Americans all over the world are gearing themselves up for huge Independence Day celebrations this week, which are now just a few hours away. This year marks the 243rd celebration of the American national holiday, and the day is typically honoured with parties and firework displays across the USA. Usually, a special event is also held at the White House to mark Independence Day, an occasion which is a huge celebration for many across the country. Always held on July 4, Independence Day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the US in 1776. Since Christopher Columbus led a Spanish expedition to the "New World" in 1492, much of what is modern day America was under European rule. Most of North and South America was divided up between the Spanish, English, French, Portuguese and Dutch governments. In 1606, King James I decided to establish permanent settlements in the Americas and formed the Colony of Virginia the following year. At around the same time, the Dutch, Swedish, and French also established successful North American colonies - but these eventually came under the English crown. In 1732 the Province of Georgia was established and became the 13th colony ruled by the British Empire. In 1782 the British Parliament finally agreed to end all offensive operations in North America and the following year all parties signed the Treaty of Paris in which Great Britain agreed to recognize the sovereignty of the United States and formally end the war. The last British troops departed New York City on November 25, 1783, marking the end of British rule in the new United States.

American Independence Day Parade In 1775, people in New England began fighting the British for their independence. On July 2, 1776, the Congress secretly voted for independence from Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, the final wording of the Declaration of Independence was approved, and the document was published. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was on July 8, 1776. Delegates began to sign the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776. In 1870, Independence Day was made an unpaid holiday for federal employees. In 1941, it became a paid holiday for them. The first description of how Independence Day would be celebrated was in a letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. He described "pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations" throughout the United States. However, the term "Independence Day" was not used until 1791. Interestingly, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both signers of the Declaration of Independence and presidents of the United States, died on July 4, 1826 - exactly 50 years after the adoption of the declaration. It is also important to note that Native Americans lived in the country and each tribe had its own nation and government prior to the European settlers. How is Independence Day celebrated? Many people display the American flag outside their homes or buildings. Many communities arrange fireworks that are often accompanied by patriotic music. The most impressive fireworks are shown on television. Some employees use one or more of their vacation days to create a long weekend so that they can escape the heat at their favorite beach or vacation spot. Independence Day is a patriotic holiday for celebrating the positive aspects of the United States. Many politicians appear at public events to show their support for the history, heritage and people of their country. Above all, people in the United States express and give thanks for the freedom and liberties fought by the first generation of many of today's Americans. The Statue of Liberty is a national monument that is associated with Independence Day. In 1938, July 4 became a national paid holiday and Independence Day is therefore a federal holiday. If July 4 is a Saturday, it is observed on Friday, July 3. If July 4 is a Sunday, it is observed on Monday, July 5. Government offices and schools are closed. Some businesses may be closed as well. In some years, many employees use a proportion of their vacation days to create a long weekend. This can cause congestion in some places, particularly towards popular holiday destinations. There are many public events, parades, shows and fireworks displays. This may cause local disruption to traffic. Public transit systems do not usually operate on their regular timetables.

Fourth of July Independence Day There are many firework displays around the country, accompanied by parties and parades. Some choose to make the most of not being at work to spend it with their families and friends. Trump blimp 'twin' set to crash President’s Independence Day rally. Bristol in Rhode Island has the nation’s longest-running Independence Day celebrations, with festivities taking place since 1785. The festivities there start mid June and conclude with a 2.5 miles military parade on July 4, followed by a ball. The White House stages a large fireworks celebration and Macy’s fireworks in New York are famously screened across the country. This year, Jennifer Hudson is set to perform at the Macy's show to celebrate the Wizard of Oz turning 80. According to CNN, the National Retail Foundation estimated that Americans spend $5.32 billion on food for cookouts and picnics to celebrate July 4. Somewhat controversially, Donald Trump has announced plans for an Independence Day rally dubbed "Salute to America". The festivities include a military parade - featuring tanks and fighter jets - through the streets of Washington DC, fireworks and a free concert at which thousands are expected to attend. The president has also announced he will address the nation from the Lincoln Memorial on the city’s National Mall. You can also read: Independence Day Quotes Juneteenth or Freedom Day Here are the major U.S. holidays. In some cases, businesses, government offices, and schools will be closed, and also the International Days list. New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day MLK Jr. Day President’s Day Valentine’s Day St. Patrick’s Day Easter/Spring Break Mother’s Day Memorial Day Father’s Day 4th of July Labor Day Halloween Thanksgiving Christmas Eve Christmas Day International Days List

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Independence Day Quotes Independence Day Quotes, Aphorisms, Ideas and Thoughts by Famous Authors, Writers and Politicians on the American Independence Day holiday and celebrations. It was that which gave promise that in due time the weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have an equal chance. This is the sentiment embodied in that Declaration of Independence. Abraham Lincoln Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits. Thomas Jefferson Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living? Mahatma Gandhi Do not destroy that immortal emblem of humanity, the Declaration of Independence. Abraham Lincoln The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion. Albert Camus He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself. Thomas Paine Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech. Benjamin Franklin Freedom is not the right to do what we want, but what we ought. Let us have faith that right makes might and in that faith let us; to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it. Abraham Lincoln

Independence Day Aphorisms In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free - honorable alike in what we give and what we preserve. Abraham Lincoln The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep's throat, for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as his liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act as the destroyer of liberty. Abraham Lincoln Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. Abraham Lincoln Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it. George Bernard Shaw If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear. George Orwell Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement. Nelson Mandela We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it. William Faulkner The United States was born in revolution and nurtured by struggle. Throughout our history, the American people have befriended and supported all those who seek independence and a better way of life. Robert Kennedy Liberty is maintained by responsible freedom. Roger W Hancock

Fourth of July Independence Day Your freedom is brought to you courtesy of the outstanding Men and Women who serve and have served this country with honor, dedication, pride and sacrifice! Nishan Panwar Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country. Marquis de Lafayette This Independence Day, remind us that we have the freedom to become more culturally competent and free for business, finance and social human sake. Carl William Brown Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better. Albert Camus In the summer of 1776 our Founding Fathers sought to secure our independence and the liberties that remain the foundation of our nation today. Doc Hastings God give us peace without peace we are without freedom. Ellen J. Barrier Life without liberty is like a body without spirit. Khalil Gibran Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty. Louis Brandeis Liberty, taking the word in its concrete sense, consists in the ability to choose. Simone Weil Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. Ronald Reagan Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. John F. Kennedy

American Independence Day Parade Independence doesn’t mean you decide the way you want. Stephen Breyer True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made. Franklin D. Roosevelt It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men. Samuel Adams Let freedom never perish in your hands. Joseph Addison Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. Thomas Paine The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission. John F. Kennedy The unity of freedom has never relied on uniformity of opinion. John F. Kennedy Freedom is but the possibility of a various and indefinite activity; while government, or the exercise of dominion, is a single, yet real activity. The longing for freedom, therefore, is at first only too frequently suggested by the deep-felt consciousness of its absence. Karl Wilhelm Von Humboldt Freedom lies in being bold. Robert Frost Better to die fighting for freedom then be a prisoner all the days of your life. Bob Marley Freedom is never given; it is won. A. Philip Randolph The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object. Thomas Jefferson Enjoy the peace your valor won. Let independence be our boast, Ever mindful what it cost; Ever grateful for the prize, Let its altar reach the skies! Joseph Hopkinson For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. Nelson Mandela Independence means enjoying freedom and empowering others too to let them do so. Vikrmn You can also read: Independence Day Juneteenth or Freedom Day

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On June 30, 1865, a military tribunal found eight alleged conspirators guilty of participating in the plot to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. The verdict came just over two months after Lincoln was fatally shot by actor and Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre on April 14, 1865.

The accused included Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell, David Herold, George Atzerodt, Samuel Arnold, Michael O'Laughlen, Dr. Samuel Mudd, and Edmund Spangler. Four—Surratt, Powell, Herold, and Atzerodt—were sentenced to death and executed by hanging on July 7, 1865. The remaining four received prison sentences, with Dr. Mudd later becoming known for treating Booth's broken leg after the assassination.