Mary's Legacy, According to Robert

[Donna McCreary]

Everyone has one thing in common -- we are someone's child. As children, it becomes our responsibility and duty to determine the legacy of our parents. We chose the stories that are retold, the letters that are kept, and the images that are preserved. Robert Lincoln had the task of not only preserving the memory of his parents, but also establishing public images of Abraham and Mary Lincoln.

One of the lectures I am frequently asked to give is titled "Mary's Legacy According to her son Robert." In it, I discuss six or seven things that Robert did that hurt, enhanced, or preserved his mother's image. These include everything from his comments about bulding the Lincoln Tomb to the painting of his mother he gifted to the White House.

I am curious as to what members of this forum believe is the greatest thing Robert did to honor Abraham and Mary - either jointly or independantly.