Lincoln County Republicans held their Lincoln Day Dinner at the 1812 Farm in Bristol on Feb. 11. The annual event celebrated the accomplishments of President Lincoln in word and song and was attended by well over 100 people.

Elected in November 1860 as our first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln helped abolish slavery and unite the Union after the Civil War. Lincoln was celebrated for his writings, wisdom and rhetoric. Dressed in period attire, children from a local family movingly read the Gettysburg Address. The reading spoke to the Civil War, the purpose, the sacrifice, and the hope for healing. Republicans can be proud of our first Republican President, the sacrifice of the Union Army, and in particular, the sacrifice of Mainers who fought to remedy a great wrong. In many ways the Address speaks today to the heart of our nation and our hope for the future.

Musical selections were offered throughout the evening. Silence and pure respect filled the room as veterans saluted and hands were placed over hearts as Steve Karp of Waldoboro played The National Anthem on his violin. The children also offered a stirring rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” followed by a standing ovation. The room was filled with song as we joined Tim Connolly in singing “God Bless America” and “Proud to Be an American.”

Speakers for the evening were Steve Robinson, Editor of The Maine Wire and Heidi Sampson, State Representative from Alfred. Government overreach in Maine was an overriding theme in both speeches. Steve spoke about the lack of fiscal responsibility in our State, the state of education and the poor testing scores of our students. He also shared The Maine Wire’s plans for the future! Heidi Sampson serves on the Education Committee and spoke solely on what is happening in our schools relating to the infiltration of the woke progressive agenda and how its negative impact is affecting our children’s education, their socialization, and their emotional growth.

Over all, the gathering provided time for old and new friends to reconnect and pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President. Patriotism is alive and well!