Why We Honor George Washington

President George Washington - Resigning

Why?  Because he stepped down.  At a critical point in the new Republic, when traditions had not yet been solidified, he voluntarily gave up power and went home.

A tradition that held till Franklin Roosevelt, who couldn’t give up power, only after he died in office did he go home.  After that we passed an amendment limiting Presidents to two terms, just like George Washington.  Good enough for George good enough for all that follow.

Giving up power voluntarily was rather unusual in that time period.

He wasn’t the deepest thinker in the bunch, but consider the crowd, Jefferson, Franklin, Madison, Adams and Hamilton.  He lead through actions, and if you could pick one of the most critical junctions in American history, and there are many, the act of resigning and going home was and is to this day game changing.

We honor General George Washington for all he did, and what he didn’t do.   Compare his actions to those in the city that bears his name and reflect.  Maybe they should be more like George.