Citizens by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of AMERICAN, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation der
" Citizens by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of AMERICAN, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. "
Farewell Address to the People of the United States | Monday, September 19, 1796
Editorial Notes
On September 19, 1796, Washington announced to the world his plans to not seek a third term. In his farewell address to the nation, he touched on many social issues and domestic issues, driving home the key fact that the Constitution was a document that served the people. He urged citizens to feel as though they were part of something larger than themselves and that the country was united as one nation.
