Chief Joseph was a man of wisdom, amidst a sea of anguish.
"Give me liberty or give me death ....." This still gives me chills every time I hear it !
Delegate John Dickinson of Pennsylvania, at the notion of a Declaration of Independence, cautioned his fellow delegates that such a move might be the very death of the not-yet-free 13 colonies.
......and in response, at that same convention in 1776, in Philadelphia, John Adams of Massachusetts offers hope for a new nation to not only survive, but also rise to greatness.
This is a most excellent video, featuring the recitation of a 1983 poem entitled, "I Am Old Glory." This was filmed during the retirement ceremony of a Navy officer, recently.
This is a dramatic reading of our Declaration of Independence, which has long been a favorite of mine and of my students. Enjoy.
There are (and have been) many Lincoln impressionists, over the years. This conversation begins with John Mansfield, describing Lincoln at Gettysburg, in November, 1863, then launches into Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. I like the simplicity with which Mansfield delivers his lines, not the usual over-the-top theatrics which have heretofore accompanied such attempts.