Purple Mountain Majesties

TRIP TO WASHINGTON DC

The trip to DC has been complete for four days now... but I remain forever changed and amazed at who America is and what it took for us to form into the Nation we are today, after spending a week in DC.

In reflection, I find that what has stuck with me has been one man. George Washington. I could have spent two days at Mt. Vernon learning more about this man! Until my trip to DC, Abraham Lincoln was my favorite President. But I must say that George Washington has gained a whole new level of respect and admoraton after this trip.

Did you know that he is the single most duplicated name in American History - think about it do you have a school in your town with Washington in the name, a street, library, a town or city in the state that bears his name, a national forest, etc.

There is a reason for that...and one that is sadly being forgotten in the lives of Americans today - especially the Young lives. Dare I say, "On purpose."? Washington was the most revered man in the early years of America. During the revolution, he rose from a not so stellar military history to a General with the respect few, if any, harbor today.

Washington was a man of action - rising from bed at pre-dawn hours to study and plan his day. He was a man of responsibility - he had many trusted and well cared for slaves...better understood as servants to him. He ceased production of tobacco when it proved to destroy his soil and he reaped very little from its sell. He took up fishing, wheat and various other farming opportunities to provide for very many family and servants on his plantation. He was a man of invention - testing, trying and perfecting farming and cropping to maximize provision and profits. He was a man of integrity - trusted, honored respected.

Though his writings and words are often ambiguous, I feel it reflects is desire to remain neutral to religion, and not endorse one religion in particular. I believe he believed in the Christian God. It is clear that in the very least, he had a healthy understand of "the supreme being" and referenced his work in the lives of man. While on tour at Mt. Vernon it was suggested that he would rise early for study, & was most certainly grounded in the Scriptures. He contributed his protection and leadership to "divine providence." In one famous battle, in which he had to lead, due to the death of the British General his militia was assigned to, he noted several bullet holes in his clothing and hat and had two horses shot from beneath him. He said "divine providence" protected him.

After the French Revolution, came the American Revolution. Washington was now fighting the British he once fought with. Upon besting Cornwallis by trapping him in Yorktown, Washington and the French forced surrender upon the British forces. This battle won the war and set the foundation for America's Independence to flourish. At this point in time, the Continental Congress wanted to make Washington King of America. He resigned his commission, handed the control of the American militia to congress "and the people" and let the public eye for over four years.

He could have let power go to his head. He could have been King. Today, we could be a nation or group of nations with a totally different face. Yet, because of one man's integrity, convictions, prophetic leadership and determination; we are The United States of America. It wasn't for another four years that he accepted the office of President - even then, he refused to take office longer than he did. Washington began the tradition of stating "so help me God" at the conclusion of being sworn in as President.

While very small aspects of my story above may be mis-quoted here or there, the context and spirit of the story is 100% accurate and true. The Washington Monument stands over 500 feet tall and EVERY inch to the top endorses, supports and champions the convictions of George Washington - were one able to take to the steps of the monument, scripture, quotes, prayers, religious entities and individuals would predominantly mark the walls to the observation area amongst less religious notes. Though, it is not overpowering, these saying and sentiments suggest the religiousity of this man - even snopes.com has described fact and lore.

A mile or so away from the monument, lies Arlington National Cemetery. George's adopted/step son built a house to honor George Washington. Several of Washington's colleges (Jefferson, Franklin) have monuments and or buildings enshrining equal beliefs and sentiments. Even the Lincoln memorial echos Washington's desires for America.

Washington. George Washington. Had it not been for an old family will, he would have been buried smack in the middle of the Nation's Capital. At the time the Capital was built, it was dead in the middle of Washington DC - obviously, today, the city has grown. But today, there remains a star in the middle of the capital that was to be directly above his resting place.

Why? He was a great leader. I daresay that today, we are poorly staffed with public officials - no where near the caliber of our early beginnings. I wouldn't hold a candle to them myself. Sadly, America has decided that teaching the young about great leaders such as Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, Madison, Adams and the like, is worthless. Even Kennedy or Reagan pale in comparison. Instead, our teaching has nothing to do with greatness, moral character, self-initiation, determination, leadership and the like. At least on the grand scale - as there are a few, as evidenced by the soldiers that guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, that aspire to greatness.

Will we see another George Washington? Will we be around for one to surface? Or, will Grand Theft Auto be our moral compass; American Idol or vocational directive; Simpsons (pick one) be our examples and Game-Show Millions be our only hope

posted by Captain America @ 22:32