Senator Brown’s statement is as follows:
This resolution is part of a national effort to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. In 2000, the U.S. Congress passed the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Act creating the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. All states were invited to participate in the commission and coordinate their own state efforts. Michigan’s Lincoln Bicentennial Committee is chaired by Dr. William Anderson, director of the Michigan Department of History, Arts, and Libraries. Thirteen additional committee members serve, including three members of this body representing both sides of the aisle. As part of their work, the committee has asked the Legislature to adopt a resolution proclaiming February 12, 2008, through February 12, 2010, to be the official observance of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.
Other states are doing the same. The mission of the Michigan Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial committee is to provide leadership and direction for the Michigan’s celebration of the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth by helping people appreciate how Lincoln’s life relates to the life of countless Michiganians today. Also it will serve as a clearinghouse of information about celebration activities, certainly promotion partnerships that provide programming and demonstrating that Michigan is forever linked to the life of Abraham Lincoln.
The Abraham Lincoln bicentennial commemoration will launch in February 2008, a month from now, and will continue through February 2010. The main event will take place on February 12, 2009, the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. Across the United States, people have already begun planning parades, performances, art exhibitions, and lecture series dedicated, of course, to the legacy of our 16th President.
I would ask members to join me in supporting this resolution.