Glenn Beck highlights Washington, Lincoln in his speech at local GOP event

DAYTON — An estimated 600 individuals assembled at the Dahle Performing Arts Center in Dayton this past Thursday to celebrate Lincoln Day and Republican values.

West Side High School donated use of their beautiful venue and nationally known political commentator and author Glenn Beck donated his time to assist the Franklin County Republican Central Committee in its fundraising efforts.

Glenn highlighted his 90-minute speech with historical facts and stories of both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. He brought for display the authentic eyeglasses once worn by President Washington. Glenn emphasized the perseverance that George Washington possessed in his many efforts as a general and president.

Without the role of George Washington, our country would not have been born or survived its early years, according to Beck.

“Have I not yet done enough for my country?” were Washington’s words when asked again and again to serve and lead.

Thank goodness for all of us that George did not know how to say “no” when the calls came for his talents, Beck said.

Glenn spotlighted Abraham Lincoln in telling the story of the monumental efforts required by many to safely transport Lincoln to his first inauguration in Washington, D.C.

A man named Charles Pomeroy Stone, who most of us in attendance had never heard about, is credited with the plan to alter the travel arrangements and provide both disguise and security to bring Lincoln safely to the inauguration, Beck said, thereby avoiding the assassination plans that were laying in wait along the rail lines to Baltimore.

The evening was full of applause, cheers and inspiration. Glenn encouraged the crowd to pay closer attention than ever to the upcoming elections. He warned with passion that the Bill of Rights and other founding documents cannot be forgotten and we should support candidates at all levels of public office who know and support those documents.

The audience was made up of people from right here in Franklin County as well as folks from Boise, Idaho Falls, American Falls and even Utah.

The Franklin County Republican Central Committee would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to West Side High School, Beck and his team and to each and everyone who took the time and money to attend.