In "Washington: A Life", Ron Chernow paints a vivid scene of courage:
At dusk on October 14, Washington delivered a pep talk to Hamilton’s men, urging them to “act the part of firm and brave soldiers...” “I thought then that His Excellency’s knees rather shook,” said Captain Stephen Olney, “but I have since doubted whether it was not mine.” The artillery pounded the two redoubts to weaken them for the assault. Then, as night fell, with shells illuminating the sky, Hamilton and his party rose from their trenches and sprinted across the open field. To ensure speed and surprise, they had orders not to shoot their muskets but only to employ fixed bayonets. Standing on elevated ground, Washington watched the dramatic scene with Generals Lincoln and Knox. “Sir, you are too much exposed here,” urged Washington’s aide David Cobb, Jr. “Had you not better step a little back?” “Colonel Cobb,” Washington said coolly, “If you are afraid, you have liberty to step back.”
Such was the courage of George Washington and others who stepped up when the existence of our nation hung by a thread.
It's good for me to pause and reflect on those days especially in seasons like these when I might believe the stresses of life are unparalleled. These days are perhaps unprecedented in the span of my lifetime. But they pale in comparison to the tumult of the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and WWII.
Veterans Day is a good reminder to pause and reflect on brave men and women who held the line when it was needed. I could use some of their courage. Perhaps you could too.
Reflect. Remember. Then square your shoulders and face the day.
