The love shared between George and Martha Washington continues to inspire one generation after another. George and Martha loved each other not just in times of peace but also through the separation and hardships of war. For 40 years they supported, confided in, and trusted one another. They had each other’s best interests at heart. Both were happier and better in each other’s company. They simply enjoyed being together. Though challenged during difficult times, they remained devoted and true to each other.
When George Washington took command of the Continental Army in 1775, the American War for Independence kept him away from his beloved home at Mount Vernon for more than six years. Every year, when the cold, miserable winter months temporarily suspended the fighting, General Washington asked his wife to visit him at his winter encampment.
And every year Martha came, wherever his camp happened to be that year—from Cambridge to Morristown to Valley Forge. She could have been enjoying the warm comforts of home, but Mount Vernon was hardly as warm without her husband there. She considered home to be wherever George was, and often stayed with him for several months at a time.
Martha was the general’s beloved companion and confidant, but she was there to give more than just companionship. She also organized social activities and cheered up sick and wounded soldiers. A true and valued partner in the cause of freedom, Martha boosted the morale not only of her husband but of the entire camp.1
Is there something we can learn from the loving marriage of George and Martha Washington—the way they chose to stay together through difficult times, the way they supported, cherished, and remained dedicated to each other, no matter the circumstances? We will face our own challenges and difficulties, but perhaps if we can think about the tender story of a loyal general and his devoted wife, we can remember and be strengthened by the power of love.
1. See Rosemarie Zagarri, Martha Washington: A Life, http://www.marthawashington.us/exhibits/show/martha-washington–a-life/the-war-for-independence/front.
Program #4352
El amor que se tuvieron George y Martha Washington sigue inspirando a las generaciones. Ellos se amaron no sólo en momentos de paz sino también a través de la separación y las dificultades de la guerra. Durante 40 años se apoyaron y confiaron el uno en el otro. Lo más importante para ellos era el bienestar mutuo. Eran mejores y más felices cuando estaban juntos, y sencillamente disfrutaban de la compañía de su pareja. Aunque pasaron por tiempos muy difíciles, se mantuvieron dedicados y leales el uno al otro.
Cuando George Washington aceptó el mando del Ejército Continental en 1775, la Guerra de la Independencia de los Estados Unidos lo alejó de su querido hogar en Mount Vernon por más de seis años. Cada año, cuando la lucha se suspendía temporalmente en los difíciles meses del invierno, el General Washington le pedía a su esposa que lo visitara en el campamento.
Y año tras año llegaba Martha, dondequiera que estuviera su esposo ese año, ya fuera Cambridge, Morristown o Valley Forge. Aunque estuviera muy cómoda en su casa, Mount Vernon no era tan acogedor sin George. Consideraba que su hogar era donde estuviera él, y a menudo permanecía a su lado por meses.
Martha era la amada compañera y confidente del general, pero su presencia le daba mucho más que compañerismo. También organizaba actividades sociales y alegraba a los soldados enfermos y heridos. Martha era una aliada real y valiosa de la causa de la libertad, y levantaba el ánimo no sólo de su esposo sino de todo el campamento.
¿Hay algo que podamos aprender del amoroso matrimonio de George y Martha Washington; el haber decidido permanecer juntos durante tiempos difíciles, el modo como se apoyaron, se quisieron y se dedicaron el uno al otro, a pesar de las circunstancias? Todos enfrentaremos nuestras propias dificultades y desafíos, pero si pensamos en la tierna historia de un general leal y su devota esposa, tal vez seamos fortalecidos por el poder del amor.
Musical Selection:
1. Fill the World with Love, from Goodbye, Mr. Chips
Leslie Bricusse; arr. Mack Wilberg; Arrangement Unpublished
2. Love Is Spoken Here
Janiace Kapp Parry; Sam Cardon; Arrangement Unpublished
3. Early One Morning (organ solo)
English folk song; arr. Andrew Unsworth; Arrangement Unpublished
4. Ubi caritas
Maurice Duruflé; Durand S. A.
5. If I Loved You, from Carousel
Richard Rodgers; arr. Arthur Harris; Arrangement Unpublished
6. Spoken Word
7. Where Love Is
Joanne Bushman Doxey & Marjorie Castelton Kjar; arr. Sam Cardon; Arrangement Unpublished
8. It’s a Grand Night for Singing, from State Fair
Richard Rodgers; arr. Arthur Harris; Arrangement Unpublished