On April 30, 1789, George Washington, standing on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York, took his oath of office as the first President of the United States. Of this he wrote to James Madison: As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent, it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles.
You May Also Like / View all maxioms
The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered read more
The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered ... deeply, ... finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.
True friendship is a plant of slow grow, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is read more
True friendship is a plant of slow grow, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.
We ought to be persuaded that the propitious smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards read more
We ought to be persuaded that the propitious smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which heaven itself has ordained.
When it was reported to General Washington that the army was frequently indulging in swearing, he immediately sent out the read more
When it was reported to General Washington that the army was frequently indulging in swearing, he immediately sent out the following order: The general is sorry to be informed that the foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing — a vice little known heretofore in the American army — is growing into fashion. Let the men and officers reflect 'that we can not hope for the blessing of heaven on our army if we insult it by our impiety and folly.'
America was targeted for attack because we are the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world, and no read more
America was targeted for attack because we are the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world, and no one will keep that light from shining.
I go to the chair of government with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the read more
I go to the chair of government with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution.
The Nation's first chief executive took his oath of office in April in New York City on the balcony of read more
The Nation's first chief executive took his oath of office in April in New York City on the balcony of the Senate Chamber at Federal Hall on Wall Street. General Washington had been unanimously elected President by the first electoral college, and John Ad
Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those few be well tried before you give them your read more
Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.
If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one read more
If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known, that we are at all times ready for War.
