Today, some of the men who founded our country are under attack. George Washington’s skill, character, and leadership were widely acknowledged by his peers. So much so the Continental Congress selected him unanimously to lead the Continental Army.
Washington refused to accept the salary the Congress offered him. He undertook an assignment that kept him from his home and family for more than eight years.
Washington consistently refused privileges he could have enjoyed as commander in chief. He chose to winter with his men at Valley Forge. He chose to personally join battles to inspire and rally them. After America’s independence was secured, Washington again sacrificed his personal preference. His desire was for quiet country life. Instead, he served as America’s first president.
He then set the precedent for the voluntary relinquishment of power. He stepped down after eight years as president. Washington’s legacy of self-imposed presidential term limits was emulated by every American president.
That remained true until Franklin Delano Roosevelt. After FDR the tradition was codified in the Constitution with the 22nd Amendment in 1951. Before 1951 America relied on the restraint and self-discipline of her leaders. Washington led his people toward his vision. He built the road America followed.
