Happy Birthday USA - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mistress · #16 07-04-2013, 08:43 AM

Happy Birthday America! What's everyone doing today? Dee8go and I are going down to the Air Force Memorial to watch the fire works tonight right across from the National Monument. Have a good one guys!

dynalow · #17 07-04-2013, 08:50 AM

Washington furloughed most of his troops in June. He kept 2,500 men still serving out their three-year enlistments with him. Most were from New York or New England. They had little to do except await word of the official end of the war and the final departure of the British army from New York City.....

The officers back at Newburgh were now in a sentimental and fraternal mood. Led by Henry Knox, they organized the Society of the Cincinnati, named for the Roman hero Cincinnatus, who left his plow to take charge of the army and win a war. Membership in the society passed to the eldest sons of the founding members. This hereditary element outraged many Americans, including John and Samuel Adams, Thomas Jefferson, John Jay, and Benjamin Franklin. They objected to what they saw as the Society's anti-republican, aristocratic tone. Despite the criticism, Washington agreed to become the first president of the Society of the Cincinnati.................

Henry Knox led the Continental troops into the city. Washington followed with Governor George Clinton. Cheering crowds welcomed the American army back. It was a triumphal return for George Washington after having been chased from New York City so many years before by General Howe. Times had changed from the dark days of 1776. The redcoats were sailing away, leaving the Americans to face the challenges of peace and genuine independence.....

The Road Back to Mount Vernon
For more than a week, Washington enjoyed a series of celebratory dinners and receptions, but he was anxious to start on his journey home. Before he left, one wrenching duty remained. At noon on December 4, Washington and his remaining officers gathered for a farewell meal at the Fraunces Tavern.

It was an awkward occasion, and no one ate much in anticipation of what was coming. Washington entered and filled a plate, but he was too overcome with emotion to do anything other than set it down. He raised a glass for a toast, and all the men present joined him. He began, “With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I devoutly wish that your later days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.” Tears were visible on Washington's face. He tried to continue. “I cannot … I cannot come to each of you but shall feel obliged if each of you will come and take me by the hand.” One by one the officers went up and embraced their commander. Everyone in the room was openly weeping. Following this farewell, Washington was escorted to a ferry bound for New Jersey. As it cast off, he raised his hat in a final salute.

Samuel Fraunces, the proprietor of Fraunces Tavern, had been an agent in Major Benjamin Tallmadge's spy network. He aided prisoners and passed on information gleaned from British officers partaking of his hospitality. Both Congress and the New York legislature rewarded him for his services. The Fraunces Tavern is still in operation in New York City.

Washington's Farewell to the Army - American Revolution