We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Abraham Lincoln’s quote, “We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth,” comes from his Gettysburg Address and speaks to the profound commitment to preserving the Union and the principles of democracy. Lincoln acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who died in the Civil War and pledges that their deaths will not be meaningless. The quote reflects the resolve to ensure that freedom and self-governance would endure.

The passage highlights the idea of a "new birth of freedom," meaning that the Civil War would lead to a renewed commitment to the ideals of liberty and equality. Lincoln stresses that the nation must be rebuilt on the foundation of these principles, and that the government should reflect the will of the people, not be controlled by a few. His words express a deep commitment to democracy and the belief that freedom is worth fighting for, even if it requires great sacrifice.

The origin of this quote is Lincoln's speech delivered at the Gettysburg cemetery on November 19, 1863, after the Battle of Gettysburg, a crucial turning point in the Civil War. At this time, the future of the Union was uncertain, and Lincoln’s words were meant to inspire the nation to continue the fight for a more just and united country. The speech called for national healing and reaffirmed the core principles on which the United States was founded.

Ultimately, Lincoln’s quote serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of democracy, freedom, and sacrifice. It emphasizes that the government must remain true to the people’s will and that the cost of freedom and unity should never be forgotten. The quote endures as a declaration of the nation’s commitment to preserving the principles of liberty and self-governance, ensuring they do not perish.