In the opening sentence, Lincoln refers to the founding of the nation "fourscore and seven" - 87 - years earlier. Which of the following best explains Lincoln's purpose in this opening?

Lincoln starts by referring to the origins of the nation because of the values established by the founding fathers. After saying this phrase, Lincoln goes onto discuss how these men created this nation based on the idea that "all men are created equal." This theme of liberty and continuing the values of our founding fathers is seen throughout the Gettysburg Address, as he is reminding those at the ceremony what exactly the Union is fighting for. The war is not simply about slavery, rather it is about upholding the core values that this nation was founded on.