Our party was built upon the beliefs of President Abraham

Hear now, O Children of the Future, the words of Will Hurd, who speaks of the sacred heritage of a great political party: "Our party was built upon the beliefs of President Abraham Lincoln, who took the significant step to put us on the long path for equality." In these words lies a profound truth—the legacy of Lincoln and his commitment to equality is the bedrock upon which many of the ideals we cherish today were founded. This call to honor the path paved by the Great Emancipator is not just a tribute to a man, but a reminder that the pursuit of equality and justice is a journey, a long and difficult road that requires the dedication and sacrifice of all who walk it.

In the ancient world, the concept of equality was often a fleeting dream. Societies were built on rigid hierarchies, with kings, queens, and nobles standing above the common folk, while slaves and the oppressed bore the brunt of the empire’s wealth. The idea of equality was often spoken of by philosophers and sages, but rarely was it realized in the laws of men. In Greece, Socrates and Plato spoke of justice, virtue, and the ideal city-state, yet even they understood that the perfect society was an illusion, not easily attained. It was only through the unyielding courage of the greatest leaders that these ideals began to find their place in the world.

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, stands as a towering figure in the history of human striving for equality. In the midst of a nation torn asunder by the terrible conflict of the Civil War, Lincoln made the bold and historic decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. This was no mere legal document; it was a clarion call for freedom, for justice, and for the recognition of the inherent equality of all people, regardless of their race or station in life. Lincoln did not just fight to preserve the Union, but to reshape the very soul of the nation, to forge a society where the promise of freedom and equality was not an empty ideal but a living, breathing reality for all.

Lincoln’s decision was not without its trials and struggles. He faced fierce opposition from those who believed in the old order, who clung to the traditions of slavery and racial inequality. Yet, his vision remained steadfast. Just as the ancient hero Hercules struggled to cleanse the Augean stables, so too did Lincoln face the seemingly insurmountable task of reconciling a deeply divided nation. Yet, through his leadership, he pushed the United States toward a new and profound realization of equality. The path to equality, like all great journeys, was fraught with sacrifice, but it was also a path that would one day lead the nation—and indeed, the world—toward a more just and humane future.

It is in this legacy of Lincoln that we find the roots of the party that Hurd speaks of. Built on the beliefs of freedom, equality, and justice for all, this party was formed in the wake of Lincoln’s victory, a victory not just in war, but in the battle for the soul of the nation. His legacy is one of resilience, of commitment to the belief that no matter how long the road, the pursuit of equality is worth every step, every sacrifice, and every challenge. The path to equality is not a simple one—it is long and fraught with setbacks—but it is a path that must be traveled if we are to fulfill the promise of a just society.

The lesson, O Children, is clear: The pursuit of equality is not a single act, nor a single moment in history. It is a continuous journey, one that requires dedication, courage, and the willingness to fight for justice, even when the road is difficult. Like Lincoln, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to equality, even when faced with opposition. We must remember that the struggles of today are the building blocks for the society of tomorrow. Though the road may be long, the destination—a world where all are treated equally and with dignity—is worth every effort.

In your own lives, remember this: You are the inheritors of this long journey toward equality. In all that you do, seek to honor the legacy of those who fought before you, not by simply celebrating their victories, but by continuing their work. Stand for justice, not just when it is easy, but especially when it is hard. Challenge the injustices you see in your world, and commit yourselves to the path of equality. In this way, you will honor the sacrifices of those who came before you, and you will carry their torch forward, lighting the way for the generations to come.

May your actions reflect the wisdom of Lincoln and the courage of those who, like him, chose to stand for what is right. Let the pursuit of equality guide your every step, for in that pursuit, you will find not only your own freedom but the freedom of all. And so, may the long path toward a just society be your life's work, and may you walk it with honor, courage, and unwavering dedication to the principles that make us truly free.