Abraham Lincoln: Assassinated 150 Years Ago Today

As America commemorates the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's assassination today, we must pause and allow his patriotism to reignite our nation.

My newest article on our 16th president titled "Lincoln's Leadership Lessons for Law Enforcement," was published in The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine, February 2014 edition gives insight on the enduring principles he lived by:

*Leadership must be open to silence, study, and self containment
*Leadership possesses extraordinary empathy and concern for others
*Leadership must be grounded in moral self confidence developed by understanding through study and hard work
*The foundation of authentic leadership is moral character
*Leadership realizes that some things that are right legally are not right morally
*Leadership honors military service especially those who offered the ultimate sacrifice
*Leadership is approachable and not confined to an ivory tower
*Leadership utilizes the power of persuasion, not the manipulation of aggressiveness
*Leadership masters the art of communication and public speaking
*Leadership expresses visionary principles which are constantly reaffirmed

These principles of character, ethics, and leadership have been addressed in my presentations, articles, newest book, and blogs including:

Abraham Lincoln: An Enduring Icon of Leadership/Posted December 12, 2006

Americans of all ages continue to be captivated by the life, death, legacy and message of Abraham Lincoln.

During speaking engagements with students, educators, and law enforcement personnel throughout the country, I am continually astounded at the detailed information individuals have on Abraham Lincoln including specific dates from his life, the Civil War, the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, his second inaugural, and his assassination by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theater in Washington, DC on April 14, 1865.

During recent character education presentations, students from a 3rd grade class were able to recently quote to me with admirable precision President Lincoln's words from Gettysburg on November 19, 1863:
"that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

In our troubled times, so besieged by violence, turmoil, and scandal, Abraham Lincoln remains an icon of dedication to country. From his early days of studying by the fireside as a young boy to his rise to the presidency, the character of Lincoln is worthy of emulation. Lincoln's courage and perseverance in the face of great adversity serve as an example that what is needed in America's response to the current crisis of violence, scandal, and division is newfound perseverance, unity, strength, and transformation.

Aside from publication in the New Jersey Police Chief Magazine, February 2014, the full length article was also published in The Chief of Police, Winter, 2014 edition.

Read More:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/al16.html