On September 19, 1796, in his farewell address, George Washington said the following:
It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and… great Nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous… example of a People always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence.
Gracious God and God of our ancestors, we pray today in thanksgiving for the leadership of our presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In times of great upheaval, they laid foundations of liberty and democracy for the benefit of future generations.
Today we are still leaning into the meaning of liberty and justice for all, as the legislators of our time strive to be guided by the ideal of exalted justice.
Be with the legislators in this chamber as they pursue the dream of peace and harmony amid the details and decisions of the moment. May their constituents also embrace the responsibilities of democracy so that together we can build a just and productive society, fulfilling the desires set forth by the founders of our country. We ask this in Your name.—AMEN.
