Freedom and Equality: The central theme of Lincoln’s speech is the renewal of the nation’s commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality. He says, “Our fathers brought forth a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” This means that the United States was founded on the principles of liberty and the belief that every human being is born with equal rights. The Civil War was a real test of whether the nation could remain true to those founding principles. In this speech, Lincoln gives freedom a “new birth”, envisioning a nation where all people would live with equal dignity.

Sacrifice and Patriotism: One of the most powerful themes of the Gettysburg Address is the glory of sacrifice. Lincoln respectfully honors the soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of Gettysburg, saying, “the brave men, living and dead, who struggled here.” He declares that the living cannot truly consecrate or sanctify the ground, for the soldiers’ sacrifice has already made it sacred. Their devotion is not only a mark of love for their country but also a part of the struggle for human freedom. In Lincoln’s view, true patriotism means giving one’s life for the cause of liberty and justice.

Democracy and National Unity: The closing line of Lincoln’s speech, “that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth”, has become the eternal definition of democracy. He believed that the true power of democracy lies in the people, and the unity of the nation is the foundation of that power. Even though the country was divided during the Civil War, Lincoln called upon the people to restore unity and rebuild the nation. He envisioned a government that is elected by the people, serves the people, and acts according to the people’s will. His message was not only for America but also for the entire world, a timeless call for democracy, unity, and human brotherhood.