On Jan. 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed and issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that slaves in rebel states shall be “forever free.” At the time of his death he was enshrined as “The Great Emancipator” and the writing and signing of this document was considered the most hallowed accomplishment of his presidency that led to the 13th Amendment. On this sesquicentennial, our President, the first African American to serve in the same office did not mark the Proclamation’s anniversary in any way nor was their much fanfare given to it by the media. This was both shameful and disappointing and speaks to the unpatriotic, secular attitude that permeates our society. We need to remember and acknowledge our Nation’s great historical past and not become desensitized by a liberal, socialistic agenda.
John and Tess Ucovich, San Benito County
