“Friends and Citizens: The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the executive government of the United States being not far distant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to be clothed with that important trust…”

With these words George Washington opened his 1796 Farewell Address.

Since 1896, the US Senate has observed Washington’s Birthday each year by selecting one member to read the 7,641-word statement in a legislative session. At the conclusion, the appointed Senator inscribes his or her remarks in a special leather-bound book.

North Dakota Senator Quentin N. Burdick was selected to read Washington’s Farewell Address on this day, February 23, 1970. Burdick’s concluding inscription carried a reminder that Washington’s words are not simply beautiful prose, but a message that should be read often as it still has application today.

Written by Christina Sunwall

Sources:
The Avalon Project at Yale University: Washington’s Farewell Address- http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/washing.htm
United States Senate- http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/minute/Washingtons_Farewell_Address.htm

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