WHEREAS, Monday, February 12^th, 2007, is the 198^th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln; and

        WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln was personally and directly involved in creating the Idaho Territory in 1863 by helping select the name “Idaho,” lobbying Congress to pass our territorial bill, signing the legislation into law in the U.S. Capitol and appointing our first territorial officers; and

        WHEREAS, political relations with the Idaho Territory remained important to Abraham Lincoln during his presidential administration since he mentioned the Idaho Territory in his 1863 and 1864 State of the Union addresses, and several times filled vacancies in our territorial offices through presidential appointment; and

        WHEREAS, the United States of America, the State of Idaho and several other states have established bicentennial commissions to create and conduct appropriate recognition celebrations commemorating Abraham Lincoln’s 200^th birthday; and

        WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln was among the greatest Presidents of the United States, embodying equality, freedom and opportunity for all and leading the Nation through the Civil War to preserve the Union; and

        WHEREAS, recognition and celebration of the birth of Abraham Lincoln and his special relationship to the State of Idaho serves important ceremonial and educational functions for the citizens of our State and the Nation;

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, C.L. “BUTCH” OTTER, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim February 12^th, 2007 to be

A B R A H A M   L I N C O L N   L E G A C Y   D A Y

and do encourage:
        1.   The Idaho Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission to commence planning and preparation
              of appropriate public events and exhibits to recognize the achievements of Abraham Lincoln and
              his unique and special relationship to the State of Idaho; and
        2.   All Idahoans to celebrate and learn about the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this 12^th day of February in the year of our Lord two-thousand and seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-first and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred seventeenth.       

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE