Immortal legacies

Lincoln admitted to the large congregation that he, like the rest of the nation, shared an indescribable pain for every life taken by the nation’s bloodiest war on record. He humbly acknowledged that there was no formal dedication or recognition worthy of the lives that were lost. Nevertheless, Lincoln proposed that the greatest dedication the nation could make was to continue the fervent pursuit of a vision that was all but lost — a nation enshrined in liberty and rooted in the belief that “all men are created equal.” This, he proclaimed, was the single greatest task facing our nation.

Our nation will never forget how Lincoln’s 272-word address ignited a new flame of hope and placed a moral compass in the hearts and minds of countless Americans.

April 15 marked the 152nd anniversary of Lincoln’s assassination. Although the curtain fell tragically on Lincoln’s life, his countless accomplishments, resilient optimism and tested character will forever be enshrined in our nation’s memory.

History tells us that martyrdom and sacrifice in the name of causes for peace, freedom and justice have fueled some of the largest movements throughout time. Perhaps this is because it is difficult for many of us to fathom the idea of believing so passionately in a cause for which we would be willing to stop breathing for its fruition.

Beyond his famous Gettysburg Address, Lincoln is known for his renowned leadership during America’s Civil War, and his Emancipation Proclamation — abolishing slavery for hundreds of thousands of African-Americans. Lincoln may have been slain, but his legacy of bold leadership and ardent patriotism continues to run through the bone and sinew of our democracy.

History also tells us that Lincoln is just one of the many who have sacrificed their lives for a virtuous cause much greater than themselves. Perhaps one of the first was world-renowned Greek philosopher Socrates. Credited as one of the founders of western philosophy, Socrates developed ideas we all embrace today, such as the concepts of justice, truth and morals.

In arguing the value of critical thinking and logic as an alternative to the blind trust the Athenian government placed in the gods, the Athenian government accused him of poisoning the minds of the youth and rejecting their traditional ways of life. At his trial before a jury of 500, Socrates delivered a powerful speech that has withstood the test of time, even in his death. First, he posed the question about the worth of a man who does not “have the wit” to die for something meaningful. He goes on to suggest that his death alone would not suppress his ideas and future potential thinkers who would reject the status quo. He was subsequently sentenced to death. And, as he predicted, his death did not stop his ideals or philosophy as they are embraced and enshrined in our society.

Jesus Christ was crucified in the Roman Empire’s efforts to suppress his words of faith, healing and everlasting life. However, those efforts resoundingly failed as the Bible — the source of his teachings — continues to be the most widely distributed and best-selling book worldwide, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Mahatma Gandhi also has his place in this legacy. In efforts to silence the preeminent leader’s message of peaceful resistance and non-violence in India’s independence movement during the British Rule, Gandhi was assassinated in 1948. Gandhi’s ideals of peace and nonviolent protest, however, continue to live on today.

Each of these prominent leaders have had the courage to do what many considered unthinkable, and sacrificed their lives for those causes. Likewise, each of their accomplishments were building blocks toward a better future. Each of their legacies, teachings and virtues have proven to be immortal. Let us remember to take a brief moment to honor this legacy of sacrifice in the name of causes much greater than ourselves. Equally important, let us strive to never take for granted the privileges and opportunities that we possess today because of those sacrifices.

A native of Pacifica, Jonathan Madison worked as professional policy staff for the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Financial Services, from 2011-2013. Jonathan works an attorney and can be reached via email at jonathanemadison@gmail.com.