Did you know that Abraham Lincolns’ dog was named Fido? Even if you did, there’s probably still a great deal you don’t know about our nation’s 16th president. That’s why Louisiana, along with other states, has formed the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.
It’s a national initiative, formed to celebrate the 200th birthday of Lincoln next year (Feb. 12, 2009) and reflect on his contributions. There’s likely to be more talk of things like the Gettysburg address, and less about Lincoln’s dog, but the project’s offerings promise to be diverse.
While there is a federal panel overseeing the celebration, a state commission has been also been formed for Louisiana as well. Gov. Bobby Jindal made the appointments last week to “develop, plan and coordinate statewide events that educate the public about the life and presidency of Abraham Lincoln.”
Local members of the commission are Dr. Carl A. Brasseaux of Lafayette, director of the UL Center for Cultural and Eco-Tourism at the University of Louisiana Lafayette, and state Sen. Donald Cravins of Opelousas, a Democrat currently running for Congress against GOP incumbent Rep. Charles Boustany.