Thanks, Roger!

[RJNorton]

Thanks, everyone. Yesterday I was trying to figure out a way of saying thank you, but the words didn't come. Overnight I thought about the past 18 months and what to say. I think one of the best things to arise out of the forum was the Springfield tour. Those folks met here and had a great time on their trip. I believe there are early plans to do it a second time next fall. In a variety of topics there has been an enormous exchange of information, with lots of people helping other people with ideas and research. Right now we have forum members helping French students in trying to understand Abraham Lincoln's role in American history (something we Americans cannot agree on). I think several friendships have been made here, and I hope they last a lifetime. I understand Eva is traveling from Germany to attend the Surratt Conference, and that is wonderful. On the other hand, a few threads have turned into stressful situations, but these are a very small minority of the total threads over 18 months.

On a personal note, the forum has allowed me to personally meet two members - Joe Di Cola and Tom Bogar. Vicki and I had a three hour lunch with Joe last spring and a three hour lunch with Tom and his wife last week. It is hard to describe the honor it was to meet these wonderful folks and talk history. I am sure the restaurant personnel wondered what was taking so long.

Thanks to everyone on the forum for making this endeavor successful in exchanging information, helping others, etc. I feel greatly indebted to all of you.