US Senator Corzine Remarks READING OF GWFA 25Feb02

 [Pages S979-S984]

From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                READING OF WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS

  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the previous order, the Senator from 
New Jersey, Mr. Corzine, is recognized to read George Washington's 
Farewell Address.
  Mr. CORZINE. In September 1796, worn out by burdens of the presidency 
and attacks of political foes, George Washington announced his decision 
not to seek a third term. With the assistance of Alexander Hamilton and 
James Madison, Washington composed in a ``Farewell Address'' his 
political testament to the nation. Designed to inspire and guide future 
generations, the address also set forth Washington's defense of his 
administration's record and embodied a classic statement of Federalist 
doctrine.
  Washington's principal concern was for the safety of the eight-year-
old Constitution. He believed that the stability of the Republic was 
threatened by the forces of geographical sectionalism, political 
factionalism, and interference by foreign powers in the nation's 
domestic affairs. He urged Americans to subordinate sectional 
jealousies to common national interests. Writing at a time before 
political parties had become accepted as vital extraconstitutional, 
opinion-focusing agencies, Washington feared that they carried the 
seeds of the nation's destruction through petty factionalism. Although 
Washington was in no sense the father of American isolationism, since 
he recognized the necessity of temporary associations for 
``extraordinary emergencies,'' he did counsel against the establishment 
of ``permanent alliances with other countries,'' connections that he 
warned would inevitably be subversive of America's national interest.
  Washington did not publicly deliver his Farewell Address. It first 
appeared on September 19, 1796, in the Philadelphia Daily American 
Advertiser and then in papers around the country.
  In January 1862, with the Constitution endangered by civil war, a 
thousand citizens of Philadelphia petitioned Congress to commemorate 
the forthcoming 130th anniversary of George Washington's birth by 
providing that ``the Farewell Address of Washington be read aloud on 
the morning of that day in one or the other of the Houses of 
Congress.'' Both houses agreed and assembled in the House of 
Representatives' chamber on February 22, 1862, where Secretary of the 
Senate John W. Forney ``rendered `The Farewell Address' very 
effectively,'' as one observer recalled.
  The practice of reading the Farewell Address did not immediately 
become a tradition. The address was first read in regular legislative 
sessions of the Senate in 1888 and the House in 1899. (The House 
continued the practice until

[[Page S980]]

1984.) Since 1893 the Senate has observed Washington's birthday by 
selecting one of its members to read the Farewell Address. The 
assignment alternates between members of each political party. At the 
conclusion of each reading, the appointed senator inscribes his or her 
name and brief remarks in a black, leather-bound book maintained by the 
secretary of the Senate.
  The version of the address printed here is taken from the original of 
the final manuscript in the New York Public Library provided courtesy 
of The Papers of George Washington. The only changes have been to 
modernize spelling, capitalization, and punctuation [note foot].
  Mr. CORZINE, at the rostrum, read the Farewell Address, as follows:

Sen. Corzine's entry in GWFA notebook..

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.”

NOTE:  :The only changes have been to modernize spelling, capitalization, and punctuation:

THANKS TO YOUR HUMBLE FOUNDER OF THE GWFA R&PP

US Senator Lankford Remarks READING OF GWFA 27Feb23

VIDEO OF PROCEEDING... CLICK/TAP HERE

[Pages S487-S492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                READING OF WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS

  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Pursuant to the order of the Senate 
of January 24, 1901, as modified by the order of January 21, 2023, the 
Senator from Oklahoma, Mr. Lankford, will now read Washington's 
Farewell Address.
  Mr. LANKFORD. In 1781, the Revolution had actually ended. The war had 
stopped. George Washington, then as the Commander in Chief of the 
Continental Army, continued to be able to stay on to be able to lead 
the Army until 1783, until the new government could be formed. In 1783, 
he came to Annapolis, MD, and Commander in Chief George Washington 
resigned his commission of the military.
  Now, we don't see that as a significant event, but it is one of the 
most significant events at the beginning of our Nation because, in the 
past, if you led the Army and you won the war, you would become the 
leader based on the fact that the Army is behind you. That is the way 
it had always been in every place, in every country. If you had the 
Army, you have the power.
  George Washington approached the civilian government in the 
beginnings of a new Republic, resigned his commission, and stepped back 
to being a private citizen. That event is so significant, John 
Trumbull, his painting hangs in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol right 
now. That painting has been hanging there since 1824. In fact, the 
painting of George Washington resigning his commission is actually 
older than the dome that it is under.
  We don't think about a military leader taking over the United States. 
That is unthinkable for us because of the path that George Washington 
laid down behind us.
  He did a lot of firsts in a lot of his leadership. He was our first 
President. He was a civilian leader. After one term, he wanted to be 
able to step down. In fact, he and Madison actually wrote together a 
letter to be able to go out to the American people after his first 
Presidency, but so many people came to him and encouraged him to be 
able to run again that he relented and ran again. But at the end of his 
second term, he would not relent and had determined he was not a King, 
he was not the only person who could lead these new United States, but 
it was time, after 45 years, for him to step aside.
  And this time, with the help of another gentleman whom he had worked 
with for a long time named Alexander Hamilton--they had served 
together, even since the Continental Army. He and Alexander Hamilton 
wrote an address to the American people. This was to be the end of his 
Presidency and of his public service. It was actually--interestingly 
enough, it is referred to as ``George Washington's Farewell Address,'' 
but he never actually spoke it. They wrote it, and then they published 
it together.
  Many people don't know that George Washington didn't like speaking in 
public and wasn't akin to coming to make big public speeches. So they 
published it, and it became a signature.
  This speech begins with a farewell to the Nation, saying: I am 
stepping aside as President of these United States. Then he goes on to 
be able to challenge the Nation in multiple areas, beginning with being 
careful in the days ahead.

[[Page S488]]

He saw the seeds of factions and of political parties beginning to 
rise, and he challenged the Nation. He challenged the Nation to be able 
to hold fast to its faith and to be able to live the principles of its 
faith.
  He challenged the Nation on the issue of debt and to be able to say 
don't be a nation that carries a lot of debt. You will have times of 
war when you will have to carry it, but pay it off as quickly as 
possible.
  He challenged the Nation in the issue of foreign entanglements and 
foreign alliances, and he challenged the Nation to forgive him of any 
mistakes that he might have made while he was leading the Nation.
  This nonspeech speech that he presented to the Nation has become a 
signature for now more than two centuries. It wasn't set aside. In 
fact, during the Civil War, for the first time, Members of Congress 
gathered on the other side of the building in the brandnew House 
Chamber in 1862, where House and Senate, with all the military 
leadership, gathered together in one room and read it out loud as a 
reminder to the Nation of our beginnings and as an encouragement to all 
the legislators during the Civil War.
  It was set aside again until 1893 when the Senate picked it back up 
again and a Senator was chosen to be able to read it out loud to the 
Senate. It was done in 1893 and 1894 and then stopped in 1895 but then 
picked up again in 1896 and has been read every single year since 1896, 
in this Chamber, right around George Washington's birthday--a fitting 
tribute to a President who did much to be able to establish who we are 
as a country.
  I am honored today to be the one selected to be able to speak this 
speech. I am also honored to be able to note that I am the first 
Oklahoman in the history of the Senate to actually read this speech out 
loud in the Senate.
  Now, we are a young State. We have only been a State since 1907, but 
we have only been reading it out loud since 1893. So we have been there 
for most of the time. So I am honored to be able to give to you 
``George Washington's Farewell Address'' and his look to the future of 
our Nation to say: These are the things I would request that you do not 
forget.
  Mr. LANKFORD at the rostrum, read the Farewell Address, as follows:
To the people of the United States...

US Senator S Chambliss REMARKS RE: READING OF GWFA 24Feb03

 Pages S2549-S2554]

From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                READING OF WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS

  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the previous order, the 
Senator from Georgia, Mr. Chambliss, is recognized to read George 
Washington's Farewell Address.
  The Senator from Georgia.
  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I am honored today to read George 
Washington's Farewell Address before the Senate. The tradition of 
reading this historical document was begun in 1893 and has continued 
each year with

[[Page S2550]]

the exception of 1895. I am humbled to sign my name to the list of 
Senators who have been privileged to read the Farewell Address in 
observance of Washington's birthday, especially those from my home 
State of Georgia, Senators Augustus Bacon and Walter F. George.
  George Washington, the first President of the United States, was a 
legend in his own right by 1796, the year that the address was 
published. Americans knew Washington as the ``Father of our Country.'' 
He was chosen to serve two Presidential terms, and could easily have 
served a third term with tremendous support from his fellow countrymen.
  Washington was a man of high moral character and integrity. He was a 
farmer, a military general, and a strong political leader whose 
leadership helped shape the foundation of our Government by balancing a 
strong central authority with the union of States that held our 
fledgling Nation together. Washington's leadership earned him the well-
deserved title, ``Father of our Country.'' After the President's death, 
Congressman Henry Lee, speaking on behalf of the House of 
Representatives, described him as ``the first in war, the first in 
peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.''
  Washington's Farewell Address was printed in newspapers across the 
Nation to convey his decision of voluntary retirement. George 
Washington's retirement after serving two terms may not sound odd to us 
in this day and time, but we must remember that before Washington the 
only known entity to rule this country was the English monarchy. With 
Washington's voluntary retirement, a precedent was set regarding the 
Office of the President. A statement was made about this announcement, 
which was although the person who serves in the Office of the President 
may be disposable, the Office of the President will always be 
indispensable. This precedent was the fundamental difference between 
the European monarchy and the Office of the President of the United 
States of America.
  Over time many historians have interpreted different meanings from 
the address. Washington's Farewell Address was a communication to his 
fellow countrymen, I believe, to advise the country on how to sustain 
national unity and purpose with or without him as President. This 
fundamental advice has stood the test of time, and will do so, I am 
sure, for many generations to come. Interestingly, many of the maxims 
set forth in the address are still applicable today.
  Mr. CHAMBLISS, at the rostrum, read the Farewell Address, as follows:
  The Farewell Address of President George Washington, September 19, 
1796:

     To the people of the United States...

                                                  GEO. WASHINGTON.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair wishes to thank the Senator from 
Georgia for his outstanding elocution in delivering George Washington's 
Farewell Address. It was an outstanding presentation.
  Mr. CHAMBLISS. I thank the Presiding Officer.

SEE: Senate Farewell Address Notebook Entries

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.”

204th ANNIVERSARY OF GWFA - US Senate

 [Pages H7935-H7936]

From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

ANNIVERSARY OF PRESIDENT WASHINGTON'S ``FAREWELL ADDRESS''

  (Mr. DeLAY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. DeLAY.  Mr. Speaker, 204 years ago, President George Washington's 
``Farewell Address'' was published in the New York Herald.
  For generations, the ``Farewell Address'' was one of the most 
recommended political works in American history. Schoolchildren studied 
it and citizens celebrated it. In fact, in 1862, President Lincoln even 
issued a national proclamation recommending that people all over the 
country read the address aloud.
  One lengthy section of Washington's address dealt with the importance 
of religion and morality to public life. After declaring that religion 
and morality were indispensable to political prosperity, Washington 
bluntly asked, ``Where is the security for property, for reputation, 
for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert?'' He continued, 
``Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality 
can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.''
  Washington warned Americans that without religious principles, 
neither education nor any other force would be capable of protecting 
either our life or our property. This is a lesson to remember today, 
the 204th anniversary of the printing of Washington's ``Farewell 
Address.''

What's More UN-AMERICAN than Burning Old Glory?

 

As an American - or even a non-US citizen who has a favorable view of the United States of America, can you think of anything more UN-AMERICAN than setting a flame to, treading upon, or otherwise defacing Old Glory?

Well, here's something for you; and it has been - AND IS BEING- done by the VERY people who pose in front of that VERY flag and have sworn an oath to the Constitution of the United States as a condition of their office!

The charlatans and scoundrels who pose in front of the American flag inside government buildings surrounded by barricades and armed guards in the District of Columbia who think that His Excellency, The Most Honorable George Washington's Farewell Address was a place where postal letter-carriers delivered his mail -- else some useless and obsolete artifact of antiquity that has no relevance in modern-day governance and international diplomacy -- are THE greatest threat to our national security and survival. Russians, Chinese communists, North Koreans and Islamic jihadists have NOTHING over them. 

Over many, many decades, these "cunning ambitious, and unprincipled men" (AND women) - as His Excellency described them and warned US, THE PEOPLE against - have, MOST EFFECTIVELY, PHASED GEORGE WASHINGTON OUT OF WASHINGTON.

The effective phasing of George Washington OUT OF WASHINGTON? YES! This is totally and irrevocably unacceptable.

President Washington's final words to the American people are one the most precious of the crown jewels of documents related to the founding of our republic. That is not only opinion of this writer but also that of the Honorable Sol Bloom, Director General of the U.S. Constitution Sesquicentennial Commission.

In his introduction to his book published by the Commission, THE STORY OF THE CONSTITUTION, he wrote;

“Among the many valuable state papers of the nation, two are most intimately connected with the Constitution. These are The Declaration of Independence, which opened the way for it, and Washington’s Farewell Address on keeping in the path.”

Repeat: “KEEPING IN THE PATH!”

Sadly, this jewel is MISSING FROM THE CROWN!

Follow this link to the U.S. Senate Farewell Address Notebook page to see what senators who have read it in the Senate chamber on His Excellency's birthday in accordance with long-standing tradition wanted to go on record as to their thoughts on the principles, hopes, vision, warnings, AND DIRECTIONS the Father of Our Country left us, the people, for posterity.

One of the most prescient quotes from President Andrew Jackson's Farewell Address -- an EQUALLY BRILLIANT national treasure which has likewise been suppressed by the corrupt and evil "Washington Establishment":

“... the lessons contained in this invaluable legacy of Washington to his countrymen should be cherished in the heart of every citizen ... his paternal counsels would seem to be not merely the offspring of wisdom and foresight, but the voice of prophecy, foretelling events and warning us of the evil to come.”

Repeat: “PROPHECY...WARNING US OF THE EVIL TO COME”

Any questions?

The Lansdowne Portrait

From there, His Excellency went on to say;

“But if I may even flatter myself, that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good; that they may now & then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign Intrigue, to guard against the Impostures of pretended patriotism -- this hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare, by which they have been dictated.”

Is it too much to ask for his immortal words to "now and then recur" -- "to be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good" once every four years in a joint session of Congress following presidential inaugurations?

This is a complete list of project goals.

As Americans have been celebrating 250 years of nationhood, what better time could there be to 

BRING GEORGE WASHINGTON BACK TO WASHINGTON? 

ON FACEBOOK: George Washington's Farewell Address

e-mail: gwfa1796@yahoo.com

U.S. Senate Farewell Address Notebook Entries

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

[Page administrator is paying homage to Senator Randolph not only because of his outstanding record time of delivery and level to which he inspired his colleagues' comments, but he is an alumnus of Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, WV where, earlier in life, Senator Randolph was head of the department of public speaking and journalism there]

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 V. Voinovich: “Washington's farewell address reminds us of how blessed we were by Almighty God to have had his 45 years of service and leadership, and how desperately we need men of his character, leadership and patriotism today.”

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 John Breaux: “My thoughts as I read his speech were that after over 200 years of government how appropriate they were today. His warning of the possibilities of political parties losing sight of their real purpose is still true today. His concerns about becoming too involved in the affairs of other nations strike an important note in today.”

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 Mark Pryor: “George Washington is America's greatest president. He imprinted his character and integrity on the Republic he helped establish. The words of Washington's Farewell Address call out to us today. Although 212 years have passed since Hamilton, Madison, and Washington panned this immortal message to our nation, the words are still relevant today.”

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 senators gather to make decisions about our country's future, Washington's warning about accumulating debt remains specifically relevant. Preserving our nation's credit remains essential to our safety and security – and as Washington wrote, we ought not to pass on to posterity `the burden which we ourselves are to bear.' I pray we will have the courage to meet that challenge.”

---

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.

Gº Washington , United States, 19th September 1796

---

Senator Ben Sasse: “The text was once taught in every classroom across the land as a model of citizenship – and let's hope that one day it is again.

        Too often we recall him as primarily as General Washington or President Washington when the real glory of this exemplary speech and moment is Citizen Washington, as he hands back power yet again, as he did early when he resigned his commission...

        There are many rich lessons in this (small r) republican text;

• the dangers of factionalism
• the necessity of religious and ethical beliefs in the oaths we take
• the dangers of debt and excessive spending
• the value of trade
• The importance of the actual text of the Constitution
• The blessings of a defined amendment process and so on

        May we study together, the virtues of self government again. ”

Senator Rob Portman: “The advice contained in President Washington's articulate farewell is well taken today; he warns of factionalism, parties that subvert the notion of union, warns of foreign influence, and even cautions against public debt, at a time today of record debt – even as a threat of our economy. Timeless and timely. Yet, Washington gives us hope and strength: through his words and fundamental truth is the strength of a free people.”

Senator Patrick J. Leahy: “We can be the great nation that President Washington envisioned. More than that we have to be. All of us should read his words. Consider the history of our country, both good and bad – and then commit to the good.”

Senator Benjamin L. Cardin: “His words spoken 228 years ago offer us sound contemporary guidance are particularly in regards to America's strength and unity. Our democratic values were planted and nurtured by our first president.”

These facts are worthy of note:

The Constitution of West Virginia (3-20) states that, “Free government and the blessings of liberty can be preserved to any people only by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality and virtue, and by a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles.”

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.

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“... the lessons contained in this invaluable legacy of Washington to his countrymen should be cherished in the heart of every citizen ... his paternal counsels would seem to be not merely the offspring of wisdom and foresight, but the voice of prophecy, foretelling events and warning us of the evil to come.”

~~ President Jackson's Farewell Address

Repeat: “PROPHECY...WARNING US OF THE EVIL TO COME”

Any questions?

According to future-President Lincoln:

“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.”

Abraham Lincoln, Temperance Address

unlinked sources:

1 Congressional Record – Senate – February 22, 1962 – pg. 2822
2 ibid
3 ibid

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e-mail: gwfa1796@yahoo.com