This is the home of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. I am in Springfield, Illinois this week for work and one of my employees came with me. She has never been here so I showed her the historical sites.

This is Abraham Lincoln's home. Walking up to it and knowing he walked up to that door many times brought to life things I've read in books. I could imagine what he would be doing on a Sunday afternoon. I can envision Mr. Lincoln visiting with his neighbors and living a fairly modest life. As we walked along the street I felt the history, could almost see people walking and visiting with each other up and down the street and almost hear the sounds of horses hooves and carriages. I can envision Mr. Lincoln visiting with his neighbors and living a fairly modest life.

Places such as this are powerful to me. It teaches you of the history of this country, that there were real people who lived in real houses and walked down real streets and being there brings it all to life. It teaches us where we have come from and how we have grown as a nation. And, in some areas, we have regressed. Visiting historic sites is important. Keeping the history alive is important. Parents should bring their children to these places so they know what this nation is all about and what we have been through. The more we know about our country the more we love it and strive to make it better. We have been and are in turmoil and we need to come together and live in harmony. If we fight among ourselves we cannot survive. As Mr. Lincoln said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."