George Washington's Farewell Address

NPR ran a piece on Washington's farewell address in memory of his birthday. NPR : Morning Edition for Monday, February 23, 2004 Scroll down to Commentary: George Washington's Farewell Speech

The full text of the address is at Washington's Farewell Address 1776. It's a remarkable speech. When he voluntarily removed his name from consideration for a 3rd term it set a powerful precedent, not only for the US but for the world as a whole. Very few leaders before (and not many since!) have given up office so gracefully.

A significant quote:
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice ? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.