“The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army.”

— George Washington, Address to the Continental Army before the Battle of Long Island (27 August 1776)

About George Washington

1732 – 1799

First President of the United States and commander of the Continental Army.

“If new difficulties arise, we must only put forth new exertions and proportion our efforts to the exigency of the times.”

“Nothing is a greater stranger to my breast, or a sin that my soul more abhors, than that black and detestable one, ingratitude.”

“Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.”

“The better part of valour is discretion; in the which better part I have saved my life.”

“It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world, and moral courage so rare.”

“Dictators ride to and fro on tigers from which they dare not dismount. And the tigers are getting hungry.”

“Sure I am of this, that you have only to endure to conquer.”

“The superior man, when resting in safety, does not forget that danger may come.”

“There is always a philosophy for lack of courage.”