Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today announced the Assembly had joined the nation's celebration of one America's greatest presidents by approving a resolution recognizing the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth.

The resolution, sponsored by Assemblyman Alan Maisel (D-Brooklyn), details Lincoln's presidential achievements in preserving the Union before his assassination in 1865.

Born on February 12, 1809, Lincoln became the nation's 16th president. His steadfast leadership held the Union together during the Civil War of 1861-65 and his issuance of executive orders known as the Emancipation Proclamation, paved the way for the 13th Amendment, outlawing slavery. Following a key Union victory at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in 1863, Lincoln gave a speech in which he honored fallen soldiers for having given their lives to preserve the nation and create a better democracy.

"The words of the Gettysburg Address are just as relevant today as when he spoke them nearly a century-and-a-half ago," said Silver (D-Manhattan). "Abraham Lincoln knew the importance of individual sacrifice in order to create a more free and just nation. His moving speech should continue to inspire America today as we also face many challenges that at times seem daunting. Today we pause and pay tribute to a leader who dedicated his presidency-and his life-to preserve and improve upon the vision of our Founding Fathers."

"It's very important that New York and the rest of our nation recognize Lincoln's achievements to the cause of freedom," said Maisel. "Abraham Lincoln remains an inspiration for all Americans concerned about the preservation of freedom and democracy."