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Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky on February 12th, 1809. When he was born, there was nothing to distinguish him from other babies.  

As a young boy he enjoyed walking, running, wrestling, reading, and doing math.   

Rising from the humblest of beginnings, Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States at a time of great national turmoil and division. His leadership was a key factor in the eventual unity and restoration that took place. He was a man with a mission, and that made all the difference.

WARNING: For parents with young children, the History Channel video below has a dramatic reenactment of President Lincoln's assassination between about 2:35 and 2:45. You might want to preview the video to see if it's appropriate for your children. 
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Abraham Lincoln’s Life

• Timeline of Lincoln’s Life
• Young Abe Lincoln
• Mini Biography  (3:54)
• The Story of Abraham Lincoln
• Abraham Lincoln’s Autobiography 
• Lincoln and Depression
• Quotations of Abraham Lincoln

Stories

• Lincoln and the Little Girl
• Training for the Presidency
• Honest Abe
• The Wisdom of Solomon
• George Pickett's Friend
• Lincoln the Lawyer
• Mr. Lincoln and the Bible
• The Springfield Farewell Address

Speeches

• First Inaugural Address
• The Gettysburg Address (2:49, 2:32, 5:53)
• “House Divided” Speech
• Second Inaugural Address
• Lincoln's Most Important Speech  (3:02)

Proclamations

• Proclamation of a Day of Fasting
• Emancipation Proclamation
• Proclamation of Thanksgiving

Possible Activities to Enjoy on President Lincoln's Birthday
(Choose the activity, or activities, that you think could be meaningful and fun for your family.)

• Young Abe enjoyed wrestling, walking, running, and an early form of baseball. Spend some time enjoying one of these, or another sports activity your family enjoys. Talk about the importance of wholesome recreation.

 

• Abe loved cats.  He adopted orphaned kittens, and enjoyed playing with them. He also enjoyed dogs and horses, and his family had two goats when they lived in the White House. You could spend some time enjoying your family pet(s), get a kitten for your family, spend some time with horses, or visit a local pet store. 

 

• Abraham Lincoln loved collecting and telling jokes and stories. Each family member could find one or more  stories or jokes to share with each other.

 

• Abe's favorite hobby was to read and learn. Have a family read-a-thon complete with fun snacks and soft pillows to relax on. Abe loved to read so much that he sometimes borrowed books from others. You could go to the library and "borrow" some fun books to read -- maybe something about Lincoln -- or read some of the stories above.  

 

• Abe's favorite foods were fruit salad, cheese, and crackers. You could enjoy these for a fun snack while you participate in your activities.

 

• Abraham Lincoln had more than his share of  struggles and failures. You could watch "Famous Failures" and talk about how our failures can help teach us what we need to know to succeed. Or you could tell a couple of experiences Lincoln had when he struggled with depression, and discuss how our struggles can help us grow.

 

• When he was president, Abraham Lincoln wrote a number of speeches and addresses that expressed his feelings. You could memorize or recite one of his speeches, like The Gettysburg Address, or The Emancipation Proclamation, or you could write something that expresses your feelings about America.

 

• One of the great accomplishments of Abraham Lincoln's life was helping to bring freedom to the slaves. You could watch this short video and talk about why that was so important.

 

• As an adult, President Lincoln enjoyed going to plays. You could go to a play together, or enjoy a modern day variation -- go to a movie, or watch a good video at home.  You could include this one minute summary of President Lincoln's life.

 

• Abe enjoyed people and loved to visit with friends and neighbors. You could visit some friends or invite them to join you for some activities in your home. You could even bake a birthday cake and have a birthday party for Abraham Lincoln where you tell a little about him (see above), enjoy a few activities, sing Happy Birthday, and have cake and ice cream.​

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President Ronald Reagan's faith in God, his belief in the goodness of the American people, and his confidence in the future changed the course of history.

We face many challenges today, but they are not new.  Reagan experienced similar challenges and overcame them with faith, determination, optimism, and hard work.

May we honor President Reagan and the great legacy of liberty he left us by working to restore the conservative principles he championed!

Here are some favorite stories and videos about Reagan.  They are full of valuable lessons from the life of one of America’s greatest leaders.  


Ronald Reagan’s Childhood

Happy Birthday Ronald Reagan!
Over 100 years ago today, an ordinary baby was born (if any baby can be called ordinary).   His parents named him Ronald Wilson Reagan.  He was born in a simple home, to an obscure mother and an alcoholic father.  

Learning About Ronald Reagan's Childhood (4:26) 
President Reagan grew up with all the challenges that can come with having an alcoholic father -- financial hardship, emotional turmoil, unpredictable home life, and moving from town to town.  Yet he became one of America’s most revered leaders.  

 
Reagan’s Family 

Insights Into a Legendary Love  (8:32)
This heart-warming interview is full of insights into one of the great romances of modern America. Nancy's words of wisdom are valuable for any couple trying to build a happy and lasting marriage. 

Michael Reagan Remembers His Father
In this beautiful eulogy, Michael Reagan tells us what it's like to be the son of Ronald Reagan.

President Reagan Teaches His Daughter
Patti Reagan shares how her Dad took time to kindly and patiently teach her about death.  In so doing he also shared his great faith in God and his love for life. 

Ron Reagan Remembers His Father
It appears that President Reagan governed his family in much the same way he governed America.  What a great example for all of us! 


Faith and Prayer

Ronald Reagan - Man of Faith  (4:48)
This video was made to show President Ronald Reagan's sincere faith and that,  even while he held the highest office in the land, he stayed true to his deeply held beliefs. 

The Importance of Religion in America  (15:17)
"Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. 

Ronald Reagan on America's Heritage of Faith  (25:00)
President Reagan’s remarks reflect his deep faith, his belief in family values, his extensive knowledge of American history and heritage, and his hope for America’s future.

President Reagan Talks About Prayer  (2:07)
Prayer guides us in our daily life and strengthens us in times of trial.


Freedom

We the People...  (1:38)
In less that 2 minutes, President Reagan sums up the basis of our liberty. Ours was the first revolution in the history of mankind that truly reversed the course of government, and with three little words: 'We the People.'

Renewing America  (3:32)
"If we look to the answer as to why for so many years we achieved so much, prospered as no other people on Earth, it was because here in this land we unleashed the energy and individual genius of man to a greater extent than has ever been done before."  This is 31/2 inspiring minutes from  President Reagan’s first inaugural address.

Liberty vs. Tyranny  (2:18)
"Freedom has never been so fragile, so close to slipping from our grasp as it is at this moment....I think it’s time we ask ourselves if we still know the freedoms that were intended for us by the Founding Fathers." 

Ronald Reagan on Socialized Medicine  (5:04)
President Reagan's advice on socialized medicine is perhaps even more relevant today than when he gave it.  We need to stop government encroachment on our liberty! 

President Reagan Remembers D-Day  (13:22)
We're here to mark that day in history when the Allied armies joined in battle to reclaim this continent to liberty. For 4 long years, much of Europe had been under a terrible shadow. Here in Normandy the rescue began.

The Speech at the Berlin Wall Changed the Course of History (3:45, 4:53)
We need to tell our children the story of this speech and to teach them that sometimes it takes courage to stand alone.  Sometimes it's hard to do the right thing.  But nothing is more important.  

A Time for Choosing  (3:44, 29:33)
Ronald Reagan warns Americans that we are at the crossroads between two radically different visions of America and encourages us to defend our God-given rights and freedoms.


Tributes to President Reagan

Celebrating President Ronald Reagan's Legacy  (2:04)
We face many challenges as a nation today, but as we celebrate the life of Ronald Reagan, it is important to note that these are not new challenges. Reagan faced similar problems, but believed that it could be "morning in America."

Ronald Reagan, Great Person and Communicator  (several short videos)
We live in a time of divisiveness and strife.  Sometimes the differences of opinion in America appear too big to bridge.  Reagan lived in such a time.  His ideas were met with derision and scorn, yet, in just a few years,  people were praising him and calling him “the great communicator.” 

Tribute to Ronald Reagan  (9:55)
"Tribute to Ronald Reagan," was produced for the Ronald Reagan Award Gala in 2006.

RNC Tribute to President Reagan  (3:42) 
President Reagan appealed to our hopes, not our fears, and our confidence rather than our doubts.  


Holidays and Days of Remembrance

What July Fourth Means to Me
By: Ronald Reagan     From: Parade Magazine

Ronald Reagan Talks about Thanksgiving  (1:24)
Thank God for the bounty and goodness of our nation. And as a measure of our gratitude, let us rededicate ourselves to the preservation of this, the land of the free, and the home of the brave. 

President Reagan's Inspiring Christmas Message  (3:27)
In a world of Christmas culture wars and political correctness, President Reagan's national Christmas address is absolutely refreshing!  What a blessing his example continues to be! 

President Reagan's Remarks at a Memorial Service Following the Challenger Disaster
Reagan delivered these remarks at a memorial service for the Challenger  astronauts. 

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In Conclusion, a Little Humor

President Reagan's gift for humor was a great gift to the American people at a troubled time. Here are a few favorite moments we shared with him that made us laugh and, more importantly, helped us believe in good things to come.

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