30 APR--This Day in US Military History

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 10:54:15 -0400

1789 – In New York City, George Washington, the great military leader of the American Revolution, is inaugurated as the first president of the United States.

In February 1789, all 69 presidential electors unanimously chose Washington to be the first U.S. president. In March, the new U.S. constitution officially took effect, and in April Congress formally sent word to Washington that he had won the presidency. He borrowed money to pay off his debts in Virginia and traveled to New York.
On April 30, he came across the Hudson River in a specially built and decorated barge. The inaugural ceremony was performed on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street, and a large crowd cheered after he took the oath of office. The president then retired indoors to read Congress his inaugural address, a quiet speech in which he spoke of “the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.” The evening celebration was opened and closed by 13 skyrockets and 13 cannons.
As president, Washington sought to unite the nation and protect the interests of the new republic at home and abroad. Of his presidency, he said, “I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn in precedent.” He successfully implemented executive authority, made good use of brilliant politicians such as Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson in his cabinet, and quieted fears of presidential tyranny.
In 1792, he was unanimously re-elected but four years later refused a third term. In 1797, he finally began a long-awaited retirement at his estate in Virginia. He died two years later. His friend Henry Lee provided a famous eulogy for the father of the United States: “First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

https://thisdayinusmilhist.wordpress.com/2014/04/30/april-30/

April 30

30 April 1492 – Spain gives Christopher Columbus his commission of exploration. 1494 - Christopher Columbus arrived in Guantanamo Bay on his 2nd voyage to the Americas. 1629 - John Endecott became ...

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 30 at 2015 11:00 AM

SFC Stephen King — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 11:00:50 -0400

Great day in history in my opinion. The fact that he unanimously elected and re-elected, amazing in itself and unheard of in these days. Also that he Refused a third term.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 30 at 2015 11:26 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 11:26:03 -0400

From the 50 years ago today in Sunny Vietnam-land desk...

1965 – The Joint Chiefs present a detailed plan for deploying 48,000 US and 5250 third-country troops in Vietnam. This is more than the numbers agreed to in the earlier Honoloulu conference.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 30 at 2015 11:49 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 11:49:23 -0400

What a true leader. He built up his insurgent army which experienced deep privation, fall harvests, and desertion. A third of the soldiers had no shoes to include in the winter. He was a general and politician at the same time fighting the greatest force at that time. He was an excellent example for the first president.

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Apr 30 at 2015 1:57 PM

MSgt Robert Pellam — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 13:57:42 -0400

Washington is such a Historical figure and Founding father to this country enough can never be said about him. His behavior and careful political plight at the First president set such a benchmark for leaders of this country that it is still used today.

At one point while still in charge of the Continental army, he was asked if he wanted to be king. His reply was something along the lines of "I didn't get rid of George the III for me to become George the First" pretty much set his political career. He was a great man with an awesome scope on what this country needed at the exact time it was needed.