Hidden within the subtle lines of history are heroes both prominent and unknown. Time is blind and will inevitably bury them all.
George Washington was a hero once immune to time’s consistent weathering; however, in the last few decades, Americans have lost much appreciation for him and other Founding Fathers.
Many are completely unaware of the profound role Washington played, not only in the Revolutionary War, but in the first years of our new democracy. His leadership was integral throughout our entire fight for freedom. Several recent books, including ?1776? by David McCullough and ‘Washington’s Crossing? by David Hackett Fisher, are helping enlighten new generations about this great American.
The question begs answering ? Why is George Washington important today? There are a myriad of reasons why he is worth remembering:
Because his faith never wavered, Washington achieved the impossible. Out of little more than an armed mob, he created the Continental Army which fought and defeated the greatest military power in the world. The hand of God directed and protected him, and he recognized this frequently.
The day after Washington assumed control of the army, he issued his first command expecting all officers and soldiers to attend ‘divine services? and encouraged them to pray for their safety and defense. A prayer journal records Washington’s intense passion for God and that devotion was needed as his troops battled to survive the harsh winter at Valley Forge.
The book of James, it says that the ‘testing of your faith develops perseverance.? Washington weathered many tests, and because he persevered, the young nation survived as well.
Washington was a dignified leader and a proper Virginia gentleman accustomed to the respect and obedience of men. He had the appearance of a man very distant from the menial lives of the common people, yet is frequently referred to as amiable and modest.
Washington said: ‘Be easy… but not too familiar, lest you subject yourself to a want of that respect, which is necessary to support a proper command.? In times of war and peace, Washington never lost his zeal or determination as he continued to lead with clear focus.
Washington managed to summon the self-confidence necessary to persevere amid disaster, even though he was subject to moments of doubt and uncertainty. Washington was committed heart and soul to the cause, resilient and open to new ideas. He seldom failed to learn from mistakes and made many errors during the long war. Despite all the hardships, the general always found the time to help soldiers under his command endure their adversities.
His whole view of life was diametrically opposed to the common philosophy of self-glorification we find rampant in today’s culture. With the conclusion of our war for independence, Washington shocked Europeans by promptly disbanding his army and returning home as a private citizen. When fellow officers encouraged him to become a monarch, he denounced the position as treason.
Whenever the nation called, Washington proved himself suited for the task. After the war, he was once again forced into the public arena when unanimously appointed president of the Constitutional Convention. His presence gave prestige and dignity to the proceedings. Most importantly, he served as a unifying force in the deliberations. Under Washington’s guidance, the convention reached the many compromises that eventually became the Constitution of the United States, and produced the system of government we still have today.
In his farewell address, Washington reminded us that, ‘Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.? These beliefs supported him as he supported a group of colonies struggling to become a nation.
While imperfect, our first president fought all types of ideological and physical adversity with a resolve we all should emulate. His passion shows us that there is no greater calling than to be a servant of the people. Every American should carry the mindset that Washington had as he crossed the Delaware ? a wholehearted dedication of sacrifice for our country, no matter the odds.
(Chase Hulderman of Clarkston recently won a scholarship from the Washington Crossing Foundation in Pennsylvania. He will begin at Calvin College in the fall. Chase is the son of Jeffrey and Valerie Hulderman of Clarkston.)