It was only 2-minutes long but, a historic speech given by one of America’s heroes resonates with students from overseas.
Five students from Springfield’s sister city of Ashikaga, Japan were on hand to recite Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address at the Old State Capitol Wednesday. Lincoln Historic Site Historian Timothy Townsend says the 16th president’s words still rings true today.
“In 1863, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address declared to the world this nation brought forth on this continent that all were created equal,” Townsend says, quoting the iconic speech.
Group chaperone Shizugo Kaboyashi thanked the citizens of Springfield for their hospitality and says there is a special bond between the two cities.
“We want to thank everyone for this opportunity to visit the president’s home town,” says Kaboyashi.
The five won an essay and speech contest and were awarded with a trip to Springfield this past week to commemorate the 151st anniversary of his address on the battlefield of Gettysburg.