‘Tis Washington’s health
our hero to bless, for he is
our glory and pride
In honor of his birthday today, here is a ‘A Toast’ To General George Washington” written by Francis Hopkinson (1737-1791) who was an American statesman and signer of the Declaration of Independence. He also is known as the first American composer of classical music and this is a tribute to General George Washington composed in 1778. (Full score of the arrangement is provided as well as a vocal score and string parts is further down.)
At one time in the history of this country there were five Federal holidays.
New Year’s Day
Independence Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
George Washington’s Birthday
I totally agree that Mr. Lincoln also deserves a day but lumping all President’s together and giving them a day is like the people who moved from Ohio to California and raised the IQ of both places.
Having a day for all Presidents raised up some fellers (hello Mr. Harding, Mr. WH Harrison (30 days of being President), Mr. Pierce and others …) but lowered others.
For me, General Washington should come out on top.
As one of my Professor’s back in college, you go into researching Washington with the idea of exposing the man and the myth and the more you get into the record, the myth was more often than not, true.
First in War.
First in Peace.
First in the hearts of his countrymen.
Here are the lyrics to “A Toast” and you can listen to it by clicking here.
‘Tis Washington’s health–fill a bumper all round,
For he is our glory and pride.
Our arms shall in battle with conquest be crown’d
Whilst virtue and he’s on our side.
‘Tis Washington’s health–loud cannons should roar,
And trumpets the truth should proclaim:
There cannot be found, search all the world o’er,
His equal in virtue and fame.
‘Tis Washington’s health–our hero to bless,
May heaven look graciously down:
Oh! Long may he live, our hearts to possess,
And freedom still call him her own.
No Haiku For You 