This is America. Гришенкова Е.Г. - 12 стр.

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12
President Lincoln spoke at Gettysburg for only about two minutes. But his
speech has never been forgotten. Historians say the speech defined Americans as a
people who believed in freedom, democracy and equality.
Abraham Lincoln wrote some of the most memorable words in American
history. He was murdered a few days after the Civil War ended, in 1865. Yet his
words live on.
In 1942, orchestra conductor Andre Kostelanitz asked composer Aaron
Copland to write a piece of music about Abraham Lincoln. Copland was one of the
best modern American composers. He wrote many kinds of music. His music told
stories about the United States.
Aaron Copland wrote "Lincoln Portrait" to honor the president. Copland's
music included parts of American folk songs and songs popular during the Civil War.
Here is the Seattle Symphony playing part of "Lincoln Portrait."
Aaron Copland added words from President Lincoln's speeches and letters to
his "Lincoln Portrait." It has been performed many times in the United States. Many
famous people have read the words.
That is what Abraham Lincoln said: “Fellow citizens, we cannot escape
history. We of this Congress and this administration will be remembered in spite of
ourselves. No personal significance or insignificance can spare one or another of us.
The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor, to the
latest generation. We – even we here – hold the power and bear the responsibility.”
Lincoln was a quiet and melancholy man. But, when he spoke of Democracy,
this is what he said: “As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This
expresses my idea of Democracy. Whatever differs from this, to the extent of the
difference, is no democracy.”
Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of these United States, is everlasting in the
memory of his countrymen, for on the battleground at Gettysburg this is what he said:
“That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which
they gave the last full measure of devotion: that we here highly resolve that these
dead shall not have died in vain; and that this nation under God, shall have a new
birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, and for the
people, shall not perish from the earth.”
3 COMPREHENSION CHECK
Decide whether these statements are TRUE or FALSE
1. Americans never observed the birthdays of two of the greatest American
presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, separately.
2. Americans think that Abraham Lincoln is of the greatest leaders of all time.
3. Lincoln grew up in a wealthy family and got a good education in law.

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