The Penny, aka the Lincoln Penny
When I was growing up we celebrated Lincoln's birthday and Washington's birthday, February 12 and February 22. Presidents Day was, like so many things we have come to know, not a part of our lives. But the penny, the Lincoln Penny was very much part of our lives. One of the treats of my growing up years was buying penny candy for one or two cents a piece.
The years have gone by and I think I may be one of the few people I know who still bends down to pick up a penny on the sidewalk. Of course, whenever I do that I recite the same jingle, "Find a penny, pick it up. All the day you'll have good luck." Does anyone else have this same old-fashioned habit?
It seems that this may be the twilight of the penny, as there are calls for the United States to stop minting it. I take no sides on this issue. It may well be time to bid farewell to our old friend, first minted in 1909. The number of people using cash has declined and nothing seems to cost a penny anymore. Penny candy hasn't been a penny in decades. America isn't the only country that changes its currency system. Britain gave up the shilling in 1971 and went to a decimal based system.
What I will miss is seeing a picture of one of the finest Americans that ever lived, Abraham Lincoln every time I see a penny. It's been a steady reminder of a President who gave us words that still inspire and challenge almost 160 years after he spoke them in March 1865.
From Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address:
With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves, and with all nations.
Happy birthday, President Lincoln. Your memory is a blessing.
As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.
9 comments
Yes, Lincoln was a blessing to our nation and his legacy will always be cherished in this country. I'm guilty of using the card and not cash as I used to. However, when I see a penny, I will still pick it up because Ben Franklin said that a penny saved is a penny earned. I think that's exactly what this new administration is striving to do.
Blessings, Carol!
I will stop and pick up a penny. I think I am going to 'miss' the penny.
Such a lovely post! I will miss the penny…I still pick them up too. It’s always a joy visiting you here, thank you for sharing. Happy Birthday Abe.
Stay well, Virginia
YES, the penny is a good way to remember my favorite President, Abraham Lincoln was an outstanding man! I always do stop to pick up a penny on the sidewalk, and I used to wear a penny for good luck in my loafers, I hope they don't do away with my good luck pennies,
Never forget all Lincoln did for our country! Yes, I still pause to pick up a penny -- and even carry one in each of my purses' tiny pockets.
I was thinking about the same things as you regarding the penny or two for a penny candy as well as the saying when you find a penny on the ground. I do miss those days when we celebrated the two Presidents in February in elementary school. We not only learned about their lives and contributions to our country but character lessons as well. I do admire leaders who feel called to lead our country so courageously. It is a very difficult job and obviously it can be dangerous. This is a great post. Thank you for writing it.
I am one who will pick up a penny on the ground! There is also a collection of them in our house. Abraham Lincoln….outstanding, and the penny is a great reminder of his dedication to our country.
I always pick up a penny.
I say that, too! And pick them up. Whatever will we do for sales tax now, if we don't use plastic?
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