The values we live by are worth more when we pass them on.
Down_diamond Down_diamond
Washington_14x48
Your_comments

Pass this value on to a friend or colleague. Use the social network links below or send an e-card.


Washington_thumb
Download a letter-size
PDF of this billboard.

Your Comments

I have always looked up in wonder at George Washington. His actions have yet to be repeated or at that time, yet to be seen. His surrender of power and refusal to become king set a precedent and secured him a place among the greats such as Cincinnatus. I am continuously inspired by this great man.
Posted 3 months ago by Lena Z. from Philadephia, PA

This dude is off the hook.
Posted 3 months ago by Neco A from Lexington

George, I think you are the best general in the entire world!
Posted 3 months ago by Tyler F. from Lexington SC

This billboard is tight.
Posted 8 months ago by Wade L. from Westminster, CO

Leadership is when ordinary people achieve extraordinary results.
Posted 8 months ago by Hunter C. from Bonita Springs, Florida

I would love it if you could have lessons on these values to teach in the classroom. Students need to learn about character as well as core subjects. Great site, and great billboards.
Posted 8 months ago by Casey B from Port Murray, NJ

I think this website is pretty good. Good sharing... thanks.
Posted 9 months ago by Angie from Hong Kong

I think that this is a awesome website and would totally recommend it.
Posted 10 months ago by EdanM. from DeWitt,IA 52742

In that cold New Jersey winter so long ago the Father of our Country did what no one else could do!
Posted about 1 year ago by John K from Statham Georgia

This one is one of my favorites. Among the many inspiring attributes of George Washington was his belief in what we could become and achieve if we held true to what really set us apart; our ideals.
Posted about 1 year ago by Sarah T. from Utah

The best part of the story of George Washington is what happened after the Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown. He was basically offered the chance to be King. Washington turned it down out of hand, declaring that he had had enough of monarchs. He set the standard very high.
Posted about 1 year ago by Scott C. from New Castle, Indiana

I just saw this billboard today on way home from work. This was not there yesterday. I had to check out this site; looked at some of the other 'values' billboards, my favorite so far is 'Preparation'; that photo still amazes me.
Posted about 1 year ago by Kathy G. from Kentucky

I think George Washington was an inspiration to us all as a strong leader and he made America come true by fighting off the British and making us into a free country.
Posted over 1 year ago by Steve S. from Michigan

One who relieved America of the demeaning foreign presence needs to become a beacon of light for all who strive for freedom.
Posted over 1 year ago by Vinay P. from Gujarat, India

Leadership

About This Billboard

The American Revolutionary War hung in the balance. Fort Lee was abandoned and George Washington moved his troops to safety behind the Delaware River. Defeat hung in the air like thick smog as the demoralized troops began to fall apart in retreat. Sickness and desertion rates increased. Washington, Commander-in-Chief anguished; it was a very low point in the American Revolution. Washington needed to do something. Thomas Paine wrote of this defining period,

“These are times that try men's souls; the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

Within a day of its publication in Philadelphia, General Washington ordered it be read to the troops encamped at Washington Crossing.

On December 26, 1776 at about three o’clock in the morning Washington marched approximately 2,700 soldiers off of the Jersey Bank of the Delaware River resolved to take victory. It was a pivotal point in the American Revolution, the Battle of Trenton. Although not much territory was gained, it was crucial to prove to a bunch of unrefined soldiers and anxious countrymen that a quest for independence could succeed! That is indeed what happened.

“First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in humble and enduring scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate, and sincere; uniform, dignified, and commanding; his example was edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example everlasting…” Congressman Henry Lee spoke of Washington shortly after his death in 1799.

Washington was a man of virtue, character and peace. He offered a firm warning against partisanship in domestic politics and called for Americans to work for the common good. He was persuaded to attend the Constitutional Convention of 1787 where he was unanimously elected President of the Convention. It was at this Convention that the office of the Presidency was designed.

On April 30, 1789, George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States in New York City. He is the only president to receive 100% of the electoral votes. Congress voted to pay the President a salary of $25,000, a large sum of money at the time. Already wealthy and viewing himself as a public servant Washington turned the salary down but later accepted so that the office of the president would not be limited to only the wealthy.

George Washington remains an iconic figure for leadership in the face of adversity the world over. He built character, expected greatness, and inspired loyalty in a new nation.