Last week, Donald Trump recited the Oath of Office, ending with the traditional declaration, “So help me God.” Some question whether George Washington actually said “So help me God,” starting a tradition maintained by most of our presidents. But, we do know Washington’s other words.
Every four years, Americans experience and national transition as a new Executive is inaugurated. Donald Trump recited the Oath of Office, ending with the traditional declaration, “So help me, God.”
Some question whether George Washington actually said, “So help me, God”, starting a tradition maintained by most of our Presidents. But we do know Washington’s other words.
Moments after taking the oath, Washington retreated inside Federal Hall and offered his Inaugural Address. As he remarked,
“It would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official Act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe, who presides the Councils of nations, and whose Providential aids can supply every human defect that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the People of United States.”
He continued addressing his “homage to the great Author of every public and private good”, by reminding his audience that “No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand, which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of United States.”
These are the words of the same man who would remind our nation at the end of his presidency that “…both religion and morality are indispensable supports of political happiness.”
So today, our nation joins President Trump as he implores God’s help while in office.
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