Image credit: thestoryoflibertyblog.com
It’s not Feb. 22, but it is President’s Day. And here’s some
thoughts about George Washington from Newt Gingrich:
What we now call
Presidents’ Day was originally the national recognition of the birth of
President George Washington. As a country, we have celebrated Washington’s birth
since 1800 (the year after Washington died) because he played such a critical
role in our country’s founding – and very survival.
. . .
On one hand, Washington was
essential to eventually defeating the British – largely through pure
determination, courage, and faith rather than specific military expertise.
. . .
Remember, Washington had spent
eight years of his life fighting the strongest military in the world. He had
been away from his farm, his wife, and the life that he loved. Then, he sees
the country he sought to help create was in many ways tearing itself apart.
Despite this, he did not want or ask for the presidency.
When his generals, who were
frustrated by politics and lack of pay, wanted to over throw
Congress to bring order to the new country, he put a stop to the potential
rebellion. When the Continental Congress convened, he turned in his sword,
resigned, and went back to Mount Vernon. It was only through
strong urging from Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, and other Founding Fathers
that he agreed to accept his election as our first president –
and it took even more convincing from them for him to sit a second
term. His fellow founders were so adamant about Washington leading the country
in those early days because they knew he was the only one who could do it.
Newt’s full message is posted here.
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