|
Abraham Lincoln Revisited Panel at the Sportsplex |
|
Sunday, 25 October 2009 |
By Harry Freeman
Starkville Reads
“To understand Lincoln is to understand the meaning of America.” Dr. John Marszalek, Executive Director of the U.S. Grant Association, MSU
On the evening of Tuesday, November 3, at 7 p.m. at the Sportsplex, Starkville Reads, in cooperation with the Golden Triangle Civil War Roundtable, will sponsor a panel of knowledgeable Civil War experts discussing “Abraham Lincoln Revisited.” Please join Bill Parrish as he moderates a panel of John Marszalek, Michael Ballard, and Duffy Neubauer. The panel will examine Abraham Lincoln from a variety of perspectives including his background, his marriage, his personality, his presidency, and his greatness.
This program is part of Starkville Reads’ participation in the Lincoln Bicentennial, a nationwide celebration of the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. Starkville Reads encourages readers in the community to attend the events and to participate in the celebration by reading the two One Book, One Community books: Abraham Lincoln by James McPherson, and Mrs. Lincoln: A Life by Catherine Clinton. Starkville Reads has donated extra copies of the books to the Starkville Public Library, Armstrong Middle School, and Starkville High School. The books are also available at Barnes and Noble at a discounted price.
One of the panelists, MSU archivist and noted author Michael Ballard, in response to my question of “Why Lincoln?” answered, “ I believe Lincoln was our greatest president, but he was not especially popular in the North until his assassination made him a martyr. His great contribution, aside from setting up freedom for slaves, was saving the Union in spite of much political opposition and incompetent generals. Lincoln was probably the best politician to ever occupy the White House. He knew how to handle people, especially those who opposed him. He also did his best to keep the war from turning into one of vengeance, for he never considered the Confederacy to be legitimate. He understood, perhaps more than many historians have ever appreciated, that many Southerners were loyal to the Union.”
Panelist Duffy Neubauer, who will be bringing Civil War dress and music to the event, said, “ This was a turning point in our history from one country to the one we are today. Lincoln was that change.”
Whether you are a Civil War buff or just a person interested in enjoying a fun and informative evening, you will enjoy the panel. As with all Starkville Reads, the event is free and open to the public.
|
|
Last Updated ( Sunday, 08 November 2009 )
|
