For many years, the holiday we observe as Presidents Day was celebrated as Washington’s Birthday. As a memorial to Washington’s legacy as the first leader of our country, the Senate makes an annual tradition of reading the George Washington’s Farewell Address, originally delivered on September 17, 1796.

This is a masterful speech, and I recommend that you read it in its entirety (I just finished it!). It’s too long to quote here, but I really like this bit from section 6. It is humble (note Washington’s recognition of the support and contribution of the American people) and includes hopes for America’s prosperity that is to me reminiscent of the benediction Mark prays over our church every Sunday:

“If benefits have resulted to our country from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise, and as an instructive example in our annals, that under circumstances in which the passions, agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead, amidst appearances sometimes dubious, vicissitudes of fortune often discouraging, in situations in which not unfrequently want of success has countenanced the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your support was the essential prop of the efforts, and a guarantee of the plans by which they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; than, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete, by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing, as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation, which is yet a stranger to it.”

Want to read another, even more masterful, farewell address? Check out John 14-17.

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