In 1863, President Lincoln gave a short speech at a place called Gettysburg, where a great Civil War battle had been fought. His speech was only about two minutes long — but it became one of the most famous speeches ever!
It is called the Gettysburg Address. In it, Lincoln said America has a government "of the people, by the people, for the people." That means the country belongs to everyone, and the people are in charge.
Lincoln showed that words do not have to be long to be powerful. A few honest words from the heart can be remembered forever. Today you get to work with famous words yourself!
1. Where did Lincoln give his famous speech?
2. About how long was the speech?
3. What did Lincoln mean by 'of the people, by the people, for the people'?
Part 1 — Copy the famous line. Carefully copy Lincoln's most famous words in your best handwriting:
"...government of the people, by the people, for the people..."
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Part 2 — Give a speech! Stand up tall like Lincoln and read the line out loud to your family. Speak slowly and clearly.
Part 3 — Write your own mini-speech. In two sentences, tell your family about something you believe is important (like kindness, fairness, or honesty). Then say it out loud!
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Draw Lincoln in his tall stovepipe hat giving the Gettysburg Address to the crowd.
1. Lincoln's famous speech is the Address.
2. It was only about minutes long.
3. A great had been fought there.
4. Government is of, by, and for the .
5. Short words can still be .
6. Honest words can be remembered .
1. How did it feel to give your own speech? What makes words powerful?
| I learned... | Circle one |
|---|---|
| What the Gettysburg Address was | YES / NOT YET |
| What 'of, by, for the people' means | YES / NOT YET |
| I practiced giving a speech | YES / NOT YET |