Posted on 12/18/2016 5:58:58 AM PST by NonValueAdded
Mourners assembled at Mount Vernon to attend the family-organized funeral and internment on December 18, 1799. Washington's body lay in the long portico, in a coffin that featured silver-plate ornament at the head inscribed, "SURGE AD JUDICIUM," (rise to judgement) with another mid-point inscribed with "GLORIA DEO." (glory to God)
Josiah Bartlett, a fellow Mason, chronicled the funeral, explaining that the Alexandria Band played the "Funeral Dirge" by I. Decker. Bartlett as well as other Masonic brethren and military officers served as pallbearers. The coffin bore Washington's sword and Masonic apron. Washington's horse was lead by two servants dressed in mourning clothes. As Washington was interred, "Every one was affected, but none so much as his domestics of all ages."
(Excerpt) Read more at mountvernon.org ...
Washington's funeral was December 18, 1799.Here is a link to a video of that day: http://www.mountvernon.org/the-estate-gardens/the-tombs/reenactment-of-washingtons-funeralExactly 200 years later, in 1999, Mount Vernon reenacted his funeral recreating the day’s events as accurately as they possibly could, following the original schedule to the minute as closely as they could.
Some of the re-enactors were direct descendants of those that were there in 1799 and they portrayed the same roles as their ancestors.
Jim Lehrer narrated and it was broadcast live on PBS.
An amazing day, I felt very fortunate to be able to attend. It was a beautiful, pleasant day for the middle of December.
Thank you for bringing this anniversary to my attention, skip2myloo.
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Recessional of the Sons of the American Revolution:
“Until we meet again, let us remember our obligations to our
forefathers who gave us our Constitution, the Bill of Rights,
an independent Supreme Court and a nation of free men.”
Dr. Benjamin Franklin, when asked if we had a republic or a monarchy, replied "A Republic, if you can keep it." We find out Monday!
Days long past ...
Fifth great grandfather served at Valley Forge. He and other Germans went into Hessian camps to visit relatives. GW called him the “little Dutchman”. When leaving family legend says they stole the white stallion as a Christmas gift and stampede others !
bump for later
Thank you.
Thank you for this memorial. I blame the doctor for bleeding him to death, an otherwise strong man. Lord, help us and save us from the doctors!
Note: this topic is from 12/18/2016. Thanks NonValueAdded.
I did not know that. 218th anniversary coming up. Perhaps the New American Taliban can arrange a plaque and statue removal ceremony in commemoration.
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