At the conclusion of each annual reading of George Washington's Farewell Address, the appointed senator inscribes his or her name and brief remarks in this black, leather-bound book maintained by the secretary of the Senate. Highlights of the handwritten entries have been transcribed and appear below. The original writings can be seen by clicking on the text.
Senator Dennis Chavez: “Every citizen of the United States should consider it a duty to read Washington’s Farewell Address.” [NOTE: this was the first personalized deviation from all previous entries in the Senate's Farewell Address Notebook as they were but acknowledgements of having delivered it]
Senator Herbert O’Conor: “It remains one of the outstanding utterances of American History and shall ever be a fitting reminder of our duty to abide by the lessons of the past. Furthermore, the efflux of time has served to emphasize its soundness, foresight and judgment. It’s re-reading makes us even more proud of American Citizenship.”
Senator Hubert Humphrey: “Every American should study this memorable message. It gives one a renewed sense of pride in our republic. It arouses the wholesome and creative emotions of patriotism and love of country.”
Senator Barry Goldwater: “In these days, when the troubles of the mind and the conscience are multiplying, as we tend to turn more to the material and less to the spiritual for the solutions to them, it is correct that Americans pause to remember their basic sources of strength—these sources are carefully outlined in the documents left us by those wise men who, thru God, created our republic—it will forever be a source of pride that it fell my lot to read to my colleagues & thru them, The American people, The inspiring and thought provoking Farewell message of George Washington on this (day).”
Senator Frank Church: “The wisdom contained in the Farewell Address is ageless; the admonitions remain as valid as the circumstances which then prevailed. To the degree those circumstances have changed, we must measure the advice of George Washington against the living facts of our own times.”
Senator Frank Moss: “His words of counsel and admonition retain their vigor and wisdom today after a century and a half have changed our republic and the world to ways undreamed in Washington’s time.”
Senator Jennings Randolph: “Today has been a truly significant one for me! It is my understanding that this remembered event gave to me the real privilege of being the second West Virginian serving in the United States Senate to have read Washington’s Farewell Address… I shall never forget the words ‘Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections’ in the Address. They are so meaningful!”
Senator Randolph set a record for the longest time of delivery (1 hour, 8 minutes) which, after the passage of 63 years, remains unbroken due to his “savoring every word” because “They are so meaningful!”
Senator Mike Mansfield, in commending Sen. Randolph for his “excellent and outstanding rendition,” declared that, “I think it is appropriate at this time to recall that during the darkest hours of the American Revolution the Father of our Country said; ‘Give me but a banner to plant upon the hills of West Augusta—’ which, if I may interpolate, is now the State of West Virginia— ‘and I shall gather around me those men who will set this bleeding nation free.’ George Washington … said that midst its green and quiet hills was the very essence of freedom itself.” *1
Senator Gordon Allott declared that Sen. Randolph’s “rendition reminded me what a great intellect fathered our country and that perhaps in this latter time we have tended to confuse great intellectual ability with mere mental acrobatics or gymnastics. There is a great difference. I only wish that hundreds more could have heard the rendition given by the distinguished Senator from West Virginia.” *2
Senator Jack Miller: “I wish that more Members of Congress down through the years, including present Members of Congress, had heeded these words…” *3
The Honorable Jennings Randolph
Senator Glenn Beall, Jr: “The words of George Washington show his unusual perceptiveness and his feeling for the enduring nature of the government that he helped to form.”
Senator Lloyd Bentsen: “A different era and a different nation, but human emotions remain constant. In the relations of men to each other, the sagacious words of this great patriot live on with rare import and substance.”
Senator Vance Hartke: “It is a remarkable document that has a constant thread of a true American; a true believer in peace and progress. As we begin our new century it is my hope that we renew the Spirit of Washington for a world of peace and liberty for all time.”
Senator Walter Huddleston: “…the profound admonitions of our first president, the wisdom of which is just as certain today as when originally delivered.”
Senator Paul Trible: “I pray that the spirit of ardent patriotism, joyous adventure, and religious zeal that marked the life and words of George Washington will live again in our land.”
Senator Terry Sanford: “President Washington’s thoughts about the young and fragile republic clearly mark his concerns for our nation. They come today as fresh and compelling as they were when he wrote them. It is remarkable that George Washington had the vision that is still appropriate two hundred years later… that faith and vision our country still needs.”
Senator Chuck Robb: “While the prose may be somewhat dated, the wisdom is timeless, and I only regret that we’re not more disposed to heed it today than were our forebears.”
Senator Harris Wofford: “What a falling off there has been since the standard of thought, writing and action Washington set! May his words invoke the ‘better angels of our nature’ to help us revive and live up to those standards of service to the common good.”
Senator Dirk Kempthorne: “The fact that his words were written as a guiding light for the future of this nation makes the actual moment of delivery of the speech timeless... as citizens we must never lose our exposure and connection to the principles of our Founding Father. The fact that Madison, Hamilton, and Jay all contributed to this speech reflects the sentiments of this group of dedicated patriots.”
Senator Daniel K. Akaka: “Let us not forget his timeless words that remind us of the enduring democratic principles embodied in our Constitution and Bill of Rights.”
Senator William H. Frist: “As I read aloud the words, I was moved by the expressed spirit of liberty, which has flourished over the past 200 years. Indeed, for a few moments halfway through the address, it was as if these counsels of an old and affectionate friend had come alive!!”
Senator Mary L. Landrieu: “This address is filled with sage advice and admonitions, which are as relevant today as they were 202 years ago.”
Senator George Allen: “This reading reminds us of why George Washington was such a unifying, influential leader of our young Republic. He embodies the character of self-discipline and dignity which remain worthy of emulation for all servants of the people no matter when called to serve. And particularly today with a 50-50 split of Republicans and Democrats in the Senate, his wise advice should guide us to adhere to the foundational principle of freedom rather than excessive partisan intractability when deciding issues affecting the people of our country.”
Senator Jon S. Corzine: “President Washington's admonitions to respect the authority and the principles of our Constitution provides the foundation of our living democracy. He makes clear that democracy should and will change only slowly and should resist the "enterprises of faction." His are the lessons for the ages at this time when our nation and her people have suffered, we must remember that our freedoms are not free. Like Washington and his fellow citizens. we must work for those freedoms, and sadly, some will die defending them. Most importantly, we will stay united in the pursuit of freedom.”
Senator Saxby Chambliss: “The messages in the address are as true and meaningful today as they were in 1796... America is a great and free nation because of leaders like Washington and his words are still inspiring.”
Senator Richard Burr: “I am honored and humbled by the chance to share the words of our 1st president. This wonderful tradition continued now for over a century should serve as a reminder to all that Americans cherish our independence or lose our freedoms and our hope for peace.”
Senator Kenneth L. Salazar: “We must as Washington said be ever vigilant and jealously guard our form of government for the people it is designed to serve – all Americans, regardless of income, gender, race, or geography. I too a very proud to be an American.”
Senator Bob Corker: “I believe that Washington's words guarding against political partisanship, are especially true today. We are a country that has 'fought and triumphed' together -- and we must never 'put in the place of the delegated will of the nation, the will of a party.'”
Senator Roland Burris: “This Senate tradition represents an opportunity for all of us to reflect upon the things that all Americans hold dear – liberty, equality, justice, and patriotism. Too often, we let partisan differences overshadow our common interest, and cloud our collective judgment... I feel we should see President Washington's words as both a warning and a source of strength. Washington's concerns remain as real as ever before, and we must be vigilant in protecting our national unity... If we stay true to the principles this country has always held dear, I share Washington's steadfast belief that we can rise to meet any challenge that lies ahead.”
Senator Johnny Isakson: “Most importantly, his admonition against TOO MUCH DEBT is imparted for all of us to repent. America has long been blessed with great leaders none greater than George Washington!” (click here for current debt data)
Senator Kelly Ayotte: “President Washington's Farewell Address is a testament to the strength, wisdom, and humility of our first president. With a deep sense of reverence, I was honored to carry on this special Senate tradition.
As a very important source of strength & security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible: avoiding occasions of expence by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it--avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expence, but by vigorous exertions in time of Peace to discharge the Debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear.
On April 30, 1789, George Washington, standing on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York, took his oath of office as the first President of the United States said; “As the first of everything, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent [he wrote James Madison], it is devoutly wished on my part that these precedents may be fixed on true principles.”
Thus, no single document more clearly expresses and defines the true, fundamental principles of the Founding Fathers regarding the conduct and preservation of American constitutional republican government and its relations with other nations as eloquently and explicitly than the Farewell Address of His Excellency, the Most Honorable George Washington.
“Washington is the mightiest name of earth -- long since mightiest in the cause of civil liberty; still mightiest in moral reformation. On that name, a eulogy is expected. It cannot be. To add brightness to the sun, or glory to the name of Washington, is alike impossible. Let none attempt it. In solemn awe pronounce the name, and in its naked deathless splendor, leave it shining on.”
1 Congressional Record – Senate – February 22, 1962 – pg. 2822
2 ibid
3 ibid
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