Commemorating great men

When you are presenting a plaque, scroll or other symbol of appreciation, propriety demands a careful review of the honored person’s achievements and praise for the measure of his work, a format that also fits commemorations of famous men.

But one word of caution: Be sure you honor the proper party. One famous speaker at a meeting of Democrats, praised an honored American. He dramatically pointed out how, like the Democrat Party, Jackson stood stalwart as a “stone wall” against the inroads of wrong. Later he learned they’d met to honor Andy-not Stonewall Jackson! Sketching the life and labor of an illustrious leader, when applied to Washington or Lincoln, frequently produces a lot of hackneyed heralding. Nothing more you can say will add to Washington’s worth or Lincoln’s luster. In fact, many people in attendance may know more about them than you do. Try a different tack:

Bear in mind the purpose of the meeting intended to honor the memory of the man, and to glean some good from his accomplishments. Memory of die man may be respected by a moment of silent reverence; as for gathering some good remember that his virtues have been gleaned clean long ago. Try sailing along the less popular and seamier side of his life. Try this:

History’s pages are filled with names of tenacious men, but none overcame greater obstacles than an early Illinois lawyer. He failed in business; was defeated for the legislature. He failed a second time in business, and was then elected to the legislature. He lost his sweetheart to the Grim Reaper, and suffered a nervous breakdown. He was defeated for Speaker, defeated for elector, defeated for Congress; then elected to Congress and defeated for the Senate, defeated for Vice President, defeated again for the Senate-and then in 1860-Lincoln became one of the greatest Presidents in history!

The above is not designed to dish out dirt, but to furnish encouragement for those who may have flunked some of life’s courses. A pat on the back for men in bad, may not be as popular as praising a bank president or buttering up a big politician-but it’s a lot more like Lincoln.

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