George Washington truly belongs to us all now...
And what was most remarkable about Washington was (to riff off a fellow whose birthday the nation celebrated last month) the content of his character.
Richard Brookhiser rescued this view of Washington in his landmark 1997 book, “Founding Father.” Hidden behind myth, written off by revisionists as just another dead, white, male slave owner, Washington was in fact a man for the ages.
Born a Virginia aristocrat, he carefully cultivated his virtues — self-control, moderation, civility; his strengths physical and moral — to become the most widely admired presence first in the 13 colonies, then in the new nation.
He created two American institutions.
First was the army, which he commanded from 1775 to 1783, shaping a collection of untrained and undisciplined ragtag soldiers into a fighting force that defeated the world’s superpower, Great Britain.
He also set the future course of the US government itself. Presiding over its first years from 1789 to 1797, he understood he was setting precedents that had to last — even as many disagreed on what precise form that government should take.
Yet his importance goes far beyond his résumé. It was Washington who emphasized that America was a republic when he rebuked those who wanted a monarchy or an exalted president.
Likewise, he set the precedent for presidential limits by refusing entreaties that he accept a third term.
“Washington’s last service to his country was to stop serving,” writes Brookhiser.
He was not perfect... But he helped set the framework of a nation that could change for the better.
Happy 288th, President Washington! Our nation salutes your committed service, deep devotion and profound guidance in the hands of Providence. It's hard to envision a nation without you!
As anebbandflow concludes its honoring of our favorite American Presidents, and fresh off of Presidents Day, let us recommit ourselves to sharing with our friends and families, and particularly teaching our next generations, the greatness of these men and the ideals of limited governance that they set forth!
AMEN. And maybe it's worth shaking a few of today's malcontents a little more often to remind them of the successes our current President is actually setting them up for as well!America is an exceptional country. We have become an exceptional country because of great leaders like Washington, Lincoln and Reagan. There are others too — like Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy. Yet, many of our schools gloss over these important leaders, if they even mention them at all.
Washington was so respected by his men at the conclusion for the Revolutionary War he could have been the king of the new nation. Instead, Washington wanted to help create a nation built on liberty. And after serving eight years as president of the United States of America, he returned to his beloved Mount Vernon. He set the standard for future presidents and showed us that the role of the government is to serve the people and not the other way around.
[And] how is it possible to overlook the significance of the leader who signed the Emancipation Proclamation that freed the slaves during the middle of the Civil War? It’s like we forget why his face is chiseled on the side of Mount Rushmore and why his memorial sits at the end of the National Mall. Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States and the first Republican to hold that office.
Reagan’s clear vision and steady leadership helped land the release of the American hostages in Iran on his very first day in office. That resolve and determination later led to the fall of the Soviet Union brought on by his belief in peace through strength, by rebuilding the U.S. armed forces.
The Reagan tax cuts helped boost the economy and increase revenues to the federal government. The economic boom started during his administration continued into the Bush and Clinton years.
Most importantly, Reagan restored confidence in America again. He was an optimist who viewed the United States as the shining city on the hill. Americans went from a “malaise” under President Carter to renewed optimism under Reagan.
Every student in America should learn about these three exceptional presidents during their birth month and not just celebrate a generic holiday that exists to host sales on mattresses or cars, while giving bankers and federal employees the day off. These remarkable leaders — and others like them — are part of what makes our country so great.
Related links: Words of a Warrior: George Washington’s 85-Word Impromptu Speech That Helped Win the Revolution
George Washington Warned Against Political Infighting in His Farewell Address
Washington’s birthday was celebrated during his presidency, successors hated it
