Independence Day

I thought the monument showing Abraham Lincoln above the memorial to Scots who fought in the American Civil War to be relevant on America’s Independence Day. It is the only monument to the Civil War outside America and stands in the Old Calton Burial Ground in Edinburgh.

It depicts Abraham Lincoln, with a slave for whom he helped gain independence
giving thanks at his feet. A bronze shield bears the old US flag, and is wreathed in thistles to the left, and cotton to the right. Two regimental flags lay furled, the battle being over. The black man holds a book, indicating that he is not only free, he is also now educated. This was the first statue to an American President in any country outside of the USA.

As I wandered around I heard some Americans exclaim their surprise and pride to see it.