Faith in America’s Future
“Faith in America’s Future” commemorates the United States’
perseverance and unity and marks the sesquicentennial year of the
placement of the Statue of Freedom atop the new Capitol Dome in 1863.
When the Civil War threatened to bring construction of the Dome to a
halt, workers pressed onward, even without pay, until Congress approved
additional funding to complete the Dome that would become a symbol of
unity and democracy to the entire world. The official Inaugural Program,
Luncheon, and other activities will reflect the theme.
On March 4, 1861, when Abraham Lincoln took the oath of office, the half-built dome epitomized a nation being torn in two. Slowly and steadily, work continued on the massive dome during the tumultuous years of the Civil War. Skilled and unskilled workers, including African Americans who began the project enslaved and continued as free labor following the D.C. Emancipation Act of 1862, performed arduous tasks such as operating machinery at dangerous heights to hoist the heavy cast iron pieces into place.
The year 1863 was one of the most fateful in our nation’s history. It began with the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1st, and ended with a celebration of the new Capitol Dome crowned by the Statue of Freedom in December. It also was the year of the first homestead claim, the start of the first transcontinental railroad, the opening of the first land grant college, and President Lincoln’s historic and visionary Gettysburg Address. President Lincoln himself saw the importance of pushing ahead with the Dome despite staggering obstacles. “If people see the Capitol going on,” he proclaimed, “it is a sign we intend the Union shall go on.” COP 24/7 urges all citizens to take a moment to reflect on this day of peaceful transition of power and our personal responsibility in making our democracy work.
A Day of Service 2013: What have you done lately to be Proud?
COP 24/7 celebrates the King holiday with sights on asking our readership to participate in giving back in their respective communities and within commuity based organizations as volunteers, board members and supporters. The LGBTQ community is in serious need to fill an emerging leadership and participant base. It is vitally important that individuals heed the "call to service" while understanding that each of us have to be the "change" that we want.
Taking a stand as well as "believing in something before falling for everything else" should be a mindset that moves you to take action in your own unique way. Let me close with this thought from Emma Lazarus a famous American poet and essayist, famous for the poem she wrote that is associated with the Statue of Liberty: The New Colossus. It is her quote," until we are all free, we are none of us free," that resonates with me personally and hopefully offers you a moment of insight. Think about it....(video sourced: corporation for national and community service)
On March 4, 1861, when Abraham Lincoln took the oath of office, the half-built dome epitomized a nation being torn in two. Slowly and steadily, work continued on the massive dome during the tumultuous years of the Civil War. Skilled and unskilled workers, including African Americans who began the project enslaved and continued as free labor following the D.C. Emancipation Act of 1862, performed arduous tasks such as operating machinery at dangerous heights to hoist the heavy cast iron pieces into place.
The year 1863 was one of the most fateful in our nation’s history. It began with the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1st, and ended with a celebration of the new Capitol Dome crowned by the Statue of Freedom in December. It also was the year of the first homestead claim, the start of the first transcontinental railroad, the opening of the first land grant college, and President Lincoln’s historic and visionary Gettysburg Address. President Lincoln himself saw the importance of pushing ahead with the Dome despite staggering obstacles. “If people see the Capitol going on,” he proclaimed, “it is a sign we intend the Union shall go on.” COP 24/7 urges all citizens to take a moment to reflect on this day of peaceful transition of power and our personal responsibility in making our democracy work.
A Day of Service 2013: What have you done lately to be Proud?
COP 24/7 celebrates the King holiday with sights on asking our readership to participate in giving back in their respective communities and within commuity based organizations as volunteers, board members and supporters. The LGBTQ community is in serious need to fill an emerging leadership and participant base. It is vitally important that individuals heed the "call to service" while understanding that each of us have to be the "change" that we want.
Taking a stand as well as "believing in something before falling for everything else" should be a mindset that moves you to take action in your own unique way. Let me close with this thought from Emma Lazarus a famous American poet and essayist, famous for the poem she wrote that is associated with the Statue of Liberty: The New Colossus. It is her quote," until we are all free, we are none of us free," that resonates with me personally and hopefully offers you a moment of insight. Think about it....(video sourced: corporation for national and community service)
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