Presenting a Wreath

(This is from January.  Sorry for the lateness of this post.  I also have video but, can't locate it right now...)

We never imagined in a million years that we would be able to have so many friends come to visit us!  Since we had so many handsome scouts here at the same time, we decided to make a memory for them.  Mt. Vernon allows the scouts to come and present a wreath at the tomb of George and Martha Washington.  It was so awesome!  We began with Dawson and Dalton presenting the flags and the Pledge of Allegiance.   After that, Ethan, Justin, and Max recited George Washington's prayer for his country and a quote from George Washington.  

George Washington's prayer for his country:

Introduction to prayer

"Adapted from Washington's Circular to the States, written from his headquarters as Commander in Chief at New Burgh, New York, on June 8, 1783.  This letter was directed to the Governors and States of the new nation; his reference to them has been replaced by the words "the United States."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 spelling are those of General Washington."  

Prayer

"I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have the United States i His holy protection, that He would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to the 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." 

Quote

"In politics as in religion, my tenets are few and simple.  The leading one of which, and indeed that which embraces most others, is to be honest and just ourselves and to exact it from others, meddling as little as possible in their affairs where our own are not involved.  If this maxim was generally adopted, wars would cease and our swords would soon be converted into reap hooks and our harvests be more peaceful, abundant, and happy."  George Washington 1795

L-R:  Sam Jeppsen, Dawson Smith, Seth, Dalton, Ethan, Max Larsen, and Justin Breinholt.

The casket on the right is General Washington's, on the left is Martha.  After He left the presidency, he asked everyone to call him General instead of President.  This was to show his support to the new president, John Adams.  

One of my besties, Tiff (Sam's mom) was able to be here to watch this.  It was awesome!!

All the boys received a pin to put on their scout uniforms for doing this ceremony.  This is such an amazing place and I am grateful that they offer such great experiences for these boys!  I love our country and I love George and Martha Washington!