George Washington's Legacy
One of the greatest and most
honorable patriots of all is President George Washington. I define a patriot as
a defender of the constitutional rights of all people! I feel that people who
haven’t studied or even heard of Washington do not realize what an influential
individual he was. He was molded throughout his life experiences to be a
patriotic and honorable leader. His experiences in his childhood, life as a
soldier, and eventually Military and political leader molded him into the man
he was and the legacy he left behind. Considering his roots, it is remarkable
that such a man achieved so much and influenced so many.
Washington was born and raised in
Virginia to a colonial farming family. His father, Augustine Washington died
when George was eleven years old. He learned quickly to be responsible and help
provide for his widowed mother. The only formal education Washington
experienced was elementary school. He excelled in mathematics and his sharpness
and mathematic skill led him to his first employment. At the age of sixteen he
took a position as a surveyor for Lord Fairfax. Working for a gentleman, who
was the head of a very powerful family in the Virginia colony at that time gave
Washington not only experience and connection, but his work allowed him to
travel into the American wilderness for weeks at a time. (Miller 2013) His vast
knowledge of the American land, roads, and countryside proved a great benefit
to him as a soldier and Commander.
George Washington served and
fought alongside other colonials in his early twenties. He was a leader and
Virginia's Lieutenant Governor, Robert Dinwiddie, noticed his natural skill and
leadership qualities. He appointed Washington as a Major in the Virginia
militia.
On
October 31, 1753, Dinwiddie sent Washington to Fort LeBoeuf, at what is now
Waterford, Pennsylvania, to warn the French to remove themselves from land
claimed by Britain. The French politely refused and Washington made a hasty
ride back to Williamsburg, Virginia's colonial capitol. Dinwiddie sent
Washington back with troops and they set up a post at Great Meadows.
Washington's small force attacked a French post at Fort Duquesne killing the Commander,
Coulon de Jumonville, and nine others and taking the rest prisoners. The French
and Indian War had begun. (Biography)
Not
only the war had begun, but Washington’s military career has taken off. His
adventures and encounters would lead him from one war to the next in the coming
years and would shape him into the man that would lead the colonials to their freedom
from British rule.
Many believe that on more than one
occasion his live was preserved by the grace of God’s protection in order to
continue leading. He was greatly revered and known for his ability to withstand
being harmed in battle. One of the most famous stories of Washington depicts
this very invincibility. After becoming a colonel Washington joined British
General Edward Braddock's army in Virginia. On July 9,1755 the British had
commenced on a “well devised a plan for a three-prong assault on French forces
attacking Fort Duquesne, Fort Niagara and Crown Point. During the encounter,
the French and their Indian allies ambushed Braddock, who was mortally
wounded.” (Biography) Their losses were great, but those that survived moved
forward. After it was all over, 977 out of 1,459 of his men were killed or
badly wounded, including 63 out of 86 British and American officers. (Schlafly)
With those terrible odds there was a miracle that took place that day. It was
written that “Washington escaped injury with four bullet holes in his cloak and
two horses shot out from under him.”(Biography) It is plausible to think that a
man six feet, two inches tall would be a grand site and an easy target, but no!
He was untouched. He even wrote a letter to his brother and expressed his
feelings on this miraculous occurrence. "By the all-powerful dispensations
of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or
expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under
me, yet I escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every
side of me." (Schlafly) The odds were against him, and yet he persevered
and survived the brutal conflicts and continued to lead and to fight. This
knowledge of his capabilities and incredible stamina of survival helped people
to believe in him and respect him. He could not lead if no one would fallow.
This image of survival and perseverance also helped shape the image of Washington
as a symbol of leadership and freedom.
His leadership was not just on
battle fields it was in political positions as well. Washington went on to be
elected to the House of Burgesses, was a delegate to the First and Second
Continental Congresses, and was appointment as commander-in-chief of the
Continental Army. He was a civil servant nearly his entire life. An example of
how humble and service oriented he was as a leader is found in his own words in
response to his appointment as commander-in-chief.
Washington wrote back to Congress
on July 16, 1775: As to pay, sir, I beg to assure the Congress that, as no
pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this arduous
employment, at the expense of my domestic ease and happiness, I do not wish to
make any profit from it. I will keep an exact account of my expenses. These, I
doubt not, they will discharge; and that is all I desire.” (US history)
This statement speaks volumes about his character
and his willingness to serve his fellow countrymen for this great cause. It is
not common to know individuals that will work and not profit from it.
Washington won the hearts of men,
not by his war stories and awe inspiring adventures, but in a different way. He
won their hearts by his pristine example of having good morals and fine character.
These qualities are seen in his actions. Washington commanded an army of local
colonial volunteers, not professional soldiers. These men were basically
Farmers and mountain men. Together, they fought against what was then the
mightiest force in the world: the British Empire! At the risk of his own life
and temporal means he sacrificed a great deal as he felt he needed to fight and
pursue this war against the crown in order to achieve a better life for his
family and fellow colonists. He did so not from the comfort of his estate
dictating commands through a military walkie- talkie, but together with his men
sharing quarters in the frozen fields of Valley Forge. That fact alone is a
great example of one that leads through personal actions and example. He fought
with his men until they ended the war!
The Revolution lasted seven years
and considering the odds and what the colonials sacrificed at that time, their
victory was bleak the entire time and yet they fought to the end under the
leadership of General Washington. They went up against the world super-power at
that time. The British Empire had the strongest military of any nation and yet
these colonials, basic farmers fought and made the British Army fall to their
knees and surrender. How? Ronald Reagan said “The greatest leader is not
necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the
people to do the greatest things.” In the case of the colonials, George
Washington did both. He did great things and he inspired his men to do the
greatest thing that would change the history of the colonies. He inspired them
to persevere and he led them by example in doing just that. All of these events
described molded Washington into a one of the greatest military and political
leaders of all time! His wise choices and his great service to the colonists at
that time shaped his legacy of not just a respectable military leader, but also
a leader of character and morale for all that knew him.
His image and name was known and
influenced many beyond the battlefield and years of harsh war. His legacy of
service portrays a man of great character; a gentleman that his fellow leaders
wanted to continue fallowing.. He was well known and respected for the person
he was and after the war he was nominated as the President of the United States
Constitutional convention which influenced the writing of the U.S.
Constitution. He became the 1stpresident of our country and was a great
influence in its’ foundational principals. Phyllis Schlafly, an attorney and
author, wrote a great deal about George Washington. In one of her reports she
wrote
It's not just that he was uniquely
unanimously elected to two terms as our first President. It's not just that he
made our young republic a reality when he declined a third term as President
and transferred the reins of power to our second President. Washington's
greatness was based on his leadership and character, so acknowledged by the
many other great men of his time. Washington is the hero we need today because
he is an extraordinary example of a President whose character was above
reproach and whom adulation did not corrupt. In Daniel Webster's words:
‘America has furnished to the world the character of Washington, and if our
American institutions had done nothing else, that alone would have entitled
them to the respect of mankind.’(Schlafly)
Her report
portrays Washington in a very respectful way and helps her readers understand
that his actions speak volumes of his personal character. And his influence is
evident in the way he helped form our country. One of the greatest examples of
his attempt to advise and help others in in Washington’s farewell Address,
During which time he addressed the nation and advised that “honesty is always
the best policy.” That advice is so powerful coming from a man that could’ve
easily cut corners and said anything in his position of power and influence.
His actions showed self-respect and discipline. He led his men by his example,
boosted their spirits on many occasions and led them to victory on and off the
field.
A man that was led by his example
and respected Washington was Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee Virginia's
governor and a former general. He said “George Washington first in war, first
in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” After leading his men to
a miraculous victory, Washington retired to Mt. Vernon. This action was very
surprising. It could have been easy to reward himself with land or title or
even declare himself a ruler over the people as a result of his great victories
over the British, which was a great power and world empire at that time.
Several years later, his peers
elected him Chairman of the Constitutional Convention, the most illustrious
gathering in America's 200 year history. Washington presided over three months
of torpid heat and even hotter debate to secure a document that elevated the
rule of law over selfish ambition and laid the foundations for the world's most
enduring democracy. And, finally, he was chosen as the first elected leader of
that nation, a post from which he voluntarily stepped down to once again become
a private citizen.
(Gleb B.)
This is a great example of leading at an appropriate
time and then allowing others to participate as well. Based on his reputation
he could have continued for another term, however, this act shows humility and
an example of how the position of the President should be used. The position of
presiding authority over the new nation was designed to be conducted with
respect and restrain; in order to not allow the position to overpower the
people who are to govern.
All of these examples depict who
Washington was as a man, a military and political leader, and a patriot. He was
a man of true moral, leadership, and integrity. His patriotism, intelligence,
and wise majestic presence was incredible as he led those brave men to free our
nation and introduce its great strength to the world!
Works Cited
American
President: George Washington 2013 Miller Center University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA http://millercenter.org/president/washington/essays/biography/1
"George Washington." 2013.The
Biography Channel website. Jul 09 2013, 06:00 http://www.biography.com/people/george-washington-9524786.
“George Washington” Eulogy in Congress,
December 26, 1799.
Online
Highways. Florence, OR Jul 09 2013
Gleb B. “George Washinton” 2009. My Hero Project
Jul 09 2013
http://myhero.com/go/hero.asp?hero=gwashington
Lee
III, Henry 2013. The foundation for a Better Life. Jul 09 2013
http://www.values.com/inspirational-quotes/6040-First-In-War-First-In-Peac-
Schlafly,
Phyllis. The Premier American Hero — George Washington 2002. The Phyllis
Schlafly Report May 2002 http://www.eagleforum.org/psr/2002/may02/psrmay02.shtml
