George Washington’s Prayer for His Country
READ EVERY DAY AT THE WREATH LAYING CEREMONY AT HIS TOMB
Lafayette at the Tomb of Washington by Nathaniel Currier, print from 1845
Every day at Mount Vernon, a wreath is laid at the tomb of George Washington. Many important people have participated.
The Marquis de Lafayette visited Washington’s tomb several times during 1824 and 1825 as part of his celebrated Triumphal Tour of America. The Currier and Ives print shows the new tomb, however, which was not yet constructed when Lafayette visited. He would have paid his respects at the original tomb.
World leaders and ordinary citizens have participated in this solemn tribute. It begins with a recitation of Washington’s prayer:
“I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have the United States in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Devine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation. Amen”
(Prayer adapted from Washington’s Circular Letter to the States, which he wrote on June 8, 1783 as the commander in chief, at his headquarters in Newburgh, New York. This circular was directed to the governors and states of the new nation. His reference to them has been replaced by the words “the United States.” Otherwise, the words and the spellings are those of General George Washington of the Continental Army.)
Next there is the laying of the wreath, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Visiting the tomb brought tears to Lafayette’s eyes. It is a moving experience today!
Photos by Nichole Crouch