Address of President Roosevelt on the occasion of the celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, Hodgenville, Ky., February 12, 1909

Delivered at the centennial celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, this stirring address reflects on the extraordinary journey from frontier poverty to national leadership. It presents Lincoln as a figure shaped by hardship, duty, compassion, and unwavering courage—an imperfect but resolute leader who guided the nation through civil war and emancipation while bearing its deepest sorrows.

The speech also places Lincoln alongside George Washington, exploring the shared qualities that made both men indispensable to the nation: lofty ideals grounded in common sense, moral strength joined to practical judgment, and courage untouched by either adversity or success. Looking beyond the past, it considers what contemporary citizens can learn from Lincoln’s example as they confront social and industrial challenges. For listeners interested in American history, civic responsibility, and the character required to lead during times of crisis, this concise historical address offers both commemoration and thoughtful reflection.