President Obama and congressional leaders gathered in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for a ceremony marking the 200th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. in his remarks, President Obama said he felt “a special gratitude” and recalled Lincoln’s words and actions in the closing days of the Civil War in which he insisted that no Confederate troops be punished. He also referred to current economic struggles and recalled how Lincoln had hoped to unite the nation following the Civil War.

Following the president’s remarks historians and members of Congress delivered tributes to Abraham Lincoln and his presidency.