Celebrate Abraham Lincoln's Birthday

Lincoln's deep understanding of the Declaration of Independence's meaning shaped his political philosophy.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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This opinion piece argues that Abraham Lincoln's birthday on February 12 should be specially celebrated, as Lincoln had a profound understanding of the Declaration of Independence's principles that guided his political philosophy, especially in contrast to other Founding Fathers like George Washington.

Why it matters

Lincoln's reverence for the Declaration of Independence's ideals of equality and consent of the governed set him apart from other presidents and made him a key figure in shaping America's democratic experiment, especially during the Civil War era.

The details

The article notes that while Lincoln's birthday is not an official federal holiday, it is still observed in several states. It highlights how Lincoln repeatedly turned to the Declaration of Independence to explain America's democratic values, such as in his Peoria address in 1854 and the Gettysburg Address in 1863. The author argues that during the 250th anniversary of the Declaration's signing, it is important to especially honor Lincoln's deep understanding and eloquent expression of its transcendent meaning for the nation.

  • Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809.
  • Lincoln delivered a speech in Independence Hall on February 22, 1861, which happened to be Washington's birthday.
  • Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address in November 1863.

The players

Abraham Lincoln

The 16th President of the United States, who is renowned for his deep understanding and eloquent expression of the Declaration of Independence's principles, which guided his political philosophy, especially during the Civil War era.

George Washington

One of the Founding Fathers and the first President of the United States, whose birthday is observed as part of the Presidents' Day federal holiday.

Thomas Jefferson

The principal draftsman of the Declaration of Independence, which is celebrating its 250th anniversary.

Randolph May

The president of the Free State Foundation, a free-market-oriented think tank in Potomac, Maryland, and the author of this opinion piece.

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What they’re saying

“I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence.”

— Abraham Lincoln

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

— Abraham Lincoln

What’s next

The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence will be celebrated nationwide in 2026.

The takeaway

Abraham Lincoln's deep reverence for the principles of the Declaration of Independence, especially its ideals of equality and consent of the governed, set him apart as a key figure in shaping America's democratic experiment, and his birthday on February 12 deserves special recognition, especially during the 250th anniversary year of the Declaration's signing.