Washington Quotes on Military
"To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace."
First Annual Address, to both Houses of Congress | Friday, January 08, 1790
More"Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for, I have grown not only gray, but almost blind in the service of my country."
Statement while delivering response to the first Newburgh Address | Saturday, March 15, 1783
More"...every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country."
Letter to Benedict Arnold | Thursday, September 14, 1775
More"Three things prompt men to a regular discharge of their duty in time of action: natural bravery, hope of reward, and fear of punishment."
Letter to the President of Congress, Feb. 9, 1776 | Friday, February 09, 1776
More"Remember that it is the actions, and not the commission, that make the officer, and that there is more expected from him, than the title."
Address to the Officers of the Virginia Regiment | Thursday, January 08, 1756
More"There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet an enemy."
Letter to Elbridge Gerry | Saturday, January 29, 1780
More"The right wing, where I stood, was exposed to and received all the enemy's fire ... I heard the bullets whistle, and, believe me, there is something charming in the sound."
Letter to his brother, John A. Washington | Friday, May 31, 1754
More"Let us therefore animate and encourage each other, and show the whole world that a Freeman, contending for liberty on his own ground, is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth."
General Orders | Tuesday, July 02, 1776
More"It may be laid down as a primary position, and the basis of our system, that every Citizen who enjoys the protection of a free Government, owes not only a proportion of his property, but even his pers..."
Letter to Alexander Hamilton | Friday, May 02, 1783
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..."