On December 19, 1787, General George Washington arrived in Annapolis, Maryland, to resign his commission and retire from public life.

Here was Washington, the hero of Valley Forge and Yorktown, the man whose indomitable and persevering spirit had, by God’s grace, single-handedly held together despairing and exhausted troops over an eight year campaign marked by numerous significant defeats. Here was the man of valor whose very countenance and wise words had unified an often divided and sometimes rebellious officer corp. that more than once considered coup de tat against him. Here was the Virginia planter turned General, who boldly, and now with crowning victory, defied the most successful army in the world, and in so doing won freedom for an independent Christian people.

It is rare that one man is so inextricably linked to the destiny of a nation, but such was the case with George Washington. The accolade yet to be given to Washington at this time — that he was “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen” — was, nonetheless, already true. With the war concluded, Washington could have asked for anything and likely received it. Had he been less the Christian and less of a man, he might have accepted the crown that some were so willing to offer him. Certainly, Washington could have demanded lands and estates (as was the European pattern) for the services he rendered to his nation. He wanted none of these honors or entitlements.

Instead, Washington desired two things: First, he wanted to set a necessary example for all of America, by demonstrating to an entire nation the principle that Christian leaders are men under authority. Second, having faithfully executed his commission and fulfilled his duty, he wanted to leave public life and realize the dream of a true patriarch by returning to his home and family where he would live out the remainder of his life sitting under his own vine and fig tree.

The resignation took place four days later on December 23. Thus began one of the most significant transfers of power in the history of Western civilization. Through his vision, foresight, integrity, and humility, Washington rejected the historical precedent patterned by far too many victorious military commanders to seize power in the wake of victory. Instead, Washington’s personal behavior modeled the principle communicated in our Declaration of Independence, namely, that governments exist under God for the sole purpose of executing His laws.

When the greatest man of the era entered Congress for the resignation ceremony, no member of Congress rose. None took off their hats. Washington had insisted that no such honor would be directed at him. As a man under authority, it was his duty to show honor to the leaders whom he served.

Upon entering the chamber, General Washington was introduced by the secretary and conducted to a chair. Silence was commanded. There was a brief pause. The President then informed him that “The United States in Congress assembled were prepared to receive his communications.”

An emotional and slightly trembling, but eminently dignified and solemn George Washington rose and delivered the following address which stands as a model for leaders of all time:

“MR. PRESIDENT,- The great events on which my resignation depended having at length taken place, I have now the honor of offering my sincere congratulations to Congress, and of presenting myself before them, to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the service of my country.

“Happy in the confirmation of our independence and sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded the United States of becoming a respectable nation, I resign with satisfaction the appointment I accepted with diffidence, — a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task, which, however, was superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of the supreme power of the Union, and the patronage of heaven.

“The successful termination of the war has verified the most sanguine expectations; and my gratitude for the interposition of Providence, and the assistance I have received from my countrymen, increases with every review of the momentous contest. While I repeat my obligations to the army in general, I should do injustice to my own feelings not to acknowledge in this place the peculiar services and distinguished merits of the gentlemen who have been attached to my person during the war. It was impossible the choice of confidential officers to compose my family should have been more fortunate. Permit me, sir, to recommend in particular those who have continued in the service to the present moment, as worthy of the favorable notice and patronage of Congress.

“I consider it as an indispensable duty to close this last act of my official life by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendence of them to His holy keeping.

“Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action, and, bidding an affectionate farewell to this august body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life.”

It took Washington three minutes to deliver his remarks which were kindly received by General Mifflin, the President of that body. Washington immediately exited the assemblage and rode directly to Mount Vernon. The greatest leader in the world had proven himself the most humble.

He was only forty-four years of age.