“Standing as I do, with my hand upon this staff, and under the folds of the American flag, I ask you to stand by me so long as I stand by it.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865
- American
- Politician, lawyer
- As the 16th President of the United States, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation and led the Civil War to maintain the unity of the nation.
Quote
“Standing as I do, with my hand upon this staff, and under the folds of the American flag, I ask you to stand by me so long as I stand by it.”
Explanation
This quote expresses Abraham Lincoln’s deep commitment to the Union and his appeal to national unity. The American flag here symbolizes not just the country, but the ideals and principles for which it stands—freedom, democracy, and unity. Lincoln’s declaration of standing with the flag, “under the folds of the American flag,” indicates his unwavering loyalty to the nation, particularly at a time when the country was torn by the Civil War. By invoking the flag, he appeals to the citizens’ sense of patriotism and duty to preserve the Union, emphasizing that loyalty to the country should transcend personal or sectional interests.
In a broader historical context, this quote came at a time when the nation was divided over the issue of slavery and secession. Lincoln’s appeal to unity was critical in motivating the Northern states to stay committed to the cause of preserving the Union. His words reflect the moral urgency of his leadership, suggesting that those who support the ideals represented by the flag should remain steadfast in their commitment as long as the nation remains true to those values.
In modern times, this quote could be seen as a call for solidarity in the face of division. It reminds us that a nation’s strength often lies in the united resolve of its people. The call to “stand by me” as long as Lincoln stood by the flag is a reminder that loyalty and commitment to common values—whether in times of political upheaval or social change—remain essential for national cohesion.
