When Lincoln boarded a train for the thirteen-day trip to his inauguration, it allowed him to see the country he was elected to serve up close, forging an unbreakable bond with the people. He found himself faced with not only a national crisis, but an attempted assassination. Fortunately, he survived that initial attempt on his life to emerge as one of our greatest presidents.

The thirteen days of the Cuban Missile Crisis, October 16-28,1962, were perhaps some of the most tension-filled days in modern U. S. history. The pursuant actions of John F. Kennedy to come to a resolution, illustrated to the nation and the world his leadership and rationality. Like Lincoln, he inspired the country during incredibly challenging times.

While neither Lincoln nor Kennedy would live to advance their visions for America, the country benefitted from their leadership during each of those thirteen days of angst and peril.