Lincoln as secular saint

[Juan Marrero]

I know about Edith Cavell. Her tragic story fascinates me. She is a heroine of mine too. Why isn't she a household name like Churchill?? I wonder if British schoolchildren are taught about her the way American children are taught about Washington and Lincoln?
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Edith Cavell enters the "Lincoln league" of inspiring figures by what she did but also by what she told her confessor the night before the execution:

"I have no fear nor shrinking; I have seen death so often that it is not strange or fearful to me."

"I thank God for this ten weeks' quiet before the end. Life has always been hurried and full of difficulty. This time of rest has been a great mercy. They have all been very kind to me here. But this I would say, standing as I do in view of God and eternity, I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards any one."

Isn't it amazing that people spoke like this once? The line about patriotism and hatred would fit right in Lincoln's Second Inaugural.

There will be commemorations in the UK this year to remember the 100th anniversary of the execution; her grave (the family declined burial at Westminsters out of modesty) will be refurbished and a 5 pound note issued in her honor.