and now, allow me to briefly introduce the honorable frank williams recently retired chief justice ofthe rhode island supreme court who will deliver a few appropriate remarks about this magnificent young lawyer from illinois. judge frank williams hails from rhode island, where he served for seven years as chief justice of the rhode island supreme court. while serving in that high position, the president of the united states also as chief justice williams to serve on the military commissions review panel with the rank of major general. judge williams is acknowledged to be one of america's leading authorities on the life and time of the young prairie lawyer from illinois. he has served as founding chairman of the lincoln forum, president of the u.s. grant association for 12 years. he served as president of the lincoln group of boston. and for nine years as president of the abraham lincoln association. judge williams is the author or editor of over 11 books on mr. lincoln, the latest of which is lincoln lesson, reflections on america's greatest leader. co-authored with william petersen a