PROVO -- An in-depth look at Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address can give Americans today a model of charity, Matthew Holland said Sunday at the Freedom Festival's patriotic service.

Just one month before the end of the Civil War, with the Confederate Army reeling and victory for the North imminent, Lincoln did not discuss his accomplishments or declare the war won in his address. Instead, Holland said, Lincoln took the opportunity to show forgiveness and love towards his countrymen.

"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," Lincoln said.

Lincoln showed the toll of war in his face, which was lined with worry, Holland said. Two pictures were shown of Lincoln, one from before his presidency and one from just before he died.

"He appears to have aged 40 years," Holland said. "It had only been four."

In political cartoons, Lincoln was depicted harshly, as though he wee trampling the Constitution with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Most often, he was shown as neither an angel nor devil, but as a pathetic middle character. Nonetheless, Holland said, Lincoln stood firm in his work and forgave in his address.

"Somehow, Lincoln himself continued to stand strong and tall," he said.

The final words in Lincoln's address are telling of the strides he made, not only through the war, but also in theology. Though Lincoln never embraced any religion, he was well-versed in the Bible and constantly quoted scripture. In his second inaugural address, the shortest of any president, Lincoln mentioned God 14 times. He declined to predict the end of the war, Holland said, because God was in charge.

Holland said Lincoln's reluctance to feel that he knew God's will and his admonishment to love enemies is a reminder to avoid condemnation of those we do not agree with. They must be treated with openness, civility and genuine concern, he said, though people must still defend their ideals.

"Do not miss that after his call to charity comes a call for firmness in the right," he said.

Americans today must be grateful for an example like Lincoln, Holland said. He has shown that sometimes hard battles must be fought, and ideals must be fought for.

"He is a powerful and moving example of something that I would call civic charity," Holland said.

Lehi resident Garrit Johnson attended the service with his children and extended family and said he enjoyed the music and speeches. Johnson said the experience is good for his young children, who have not witnessed the reverence of the presenting of colors, he said. The history of Abraham Lincoln and his death are known to most Americans, but Johnson said he learned more about the context of Lincoln's life through Holland's presentation.

"I liked the in-depth of how he talked about it," he said.

Holland was the main speaker at the service, which also included patriotic songs by David Osmond and the 2nd Generation. Hannah Nadeau also presented her winning speech on patriotism. Patriotism is trusting in God, standing up for beliefs and serving others, Nadeau said. True patriotism is actively standing up for what is right and serving others. Everyone can find a unique way to put patriotism into action, she said.

"Tonight, I encourage you to find the courage to stand up for what you believe in," she said.