George Washington: A Victory for Freedom Sunday Service Children s Story Good morning and welcome. We also welcome all the children and families on the broadcast. On Tuesday, July 4, we celebrate America s Independence Day. This is the date we commemorate the Declaration of Independence finalized on July 4, 1776. This document declared that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation and would no longer be part of the British Empire. Today our story is about one of the most important victories in our country achieving this independence. One of the major players in this drama was the first President of our country. Do you know who that is? (Allow children to answer.) Yes, George Washington. Washington was an embodiment of Godfre, who is now an ascended master. He made his ascension after his embodiment as Guy Ballard. George Washington had the qualities of a good leader. Most importantly he loved God and was obedient to God s will. And he was the one man who could unite all the Americans because they recognized the Christ Light in him. Often the soldiers saw their commander kneeling in prayer. Here is a famous picture of Washington praying. There are so many wonderful stories about George Washington that show his Godly character. The following story illustrates the humility of Washington as a true servant leader. 1
A Victory for Freedom On April 19, 1775, the American Revolutionary War began between the American patriots and the British. No one thought this war would last long. For after all, the British were a strong army, whereas the Americans were farmers, hunters and merchants. How could this ragtag army ever defeat this mighty British Goliath? But to everyone s surprise, the war lasted for seven long years. These patriots were no ordinary men. Freedom burned in their hearts. They were willing to leave family and home with only their rifle and the clothes on their back to fight the greatest army in the world. And their leader, General George Washington was no ordinary leader. Washington was chosen for this daunting task because he embodied the qualities of courage, dignity, humility, and more importantly faith and obedience to God - all that extraordinary leaders possess. In 1780, Washington and his troops were in New Jersey. In meeting with his generals, he said, Nathaniel, the British General Cornwallis is leading his troops through the southern colonies. Right now, our southern army is doing well. I want you to go south and support the troops there. Yes, Sir, replied Nathaniel Green. What are your plans? he asked. Washington replied, As you know, I have always believed that the key to winning this war is to take back New York City. It is the most strategic location for ships and supplies to support our cause. 2
And so, Washington focused his plans on taking back New York. One day in 1781, a messenger announced himself and said, General, Sir, I bring you good news. Comte de Rochambeau and 5,500 French troops have arrived at Newport, Rhode Island. Indeed, this was good news. Now, Washington had reinforcements. In the spring of 1781, Washington and Comte de Rochambeau met in Rhode Island to plan an attack on the troops under the command of the British General, Clinton. Washington said, With the French and American troops joined in battle, we outnumber the British defenders three to one. I believe an attack on New York will be successful. Rochambeau, a general for more than forty years, had never challenged Washington's authority. He had once told Washington, I come to serve, not to command. However, this time, he knew he must speak up. General Washington, I respectfully disagree. The fleet under Admiral de Grasse is now sailing to the lower Chesapeake Bay in the south. Here we can surround the British with troops on land and the Navy in the sea. Washington listened but was not yet ready to abandon his plans. Let me think on this, he replied. During the next month, Washington prayed for guidance from his Holy Christ Self. In August, Washington s prayers were answered. In a letter from the French Admiral, De Grasse wrote that he was leading his troops to Virginia and encouraged Washington to move south so they could launch a joint operation. 3
So, instead of holding on to his vision of taking back New York City, Washington abandoned his plan. In humility, and after prayer and attunement with his Christ Self, Washington chose to follow recommendations of those working for him. This is a characteristic of a great leader. Five days later, Washington and Rochambeau began the march to Yorktown. Washington commanded several troops to stay behind. He said, We must maintain complete secrecy of our true destination. I want you to send out fake dispatches stating that we are planning to attack New York, and be sure that they reach the British. Make them believe that General Cornwallis in Yorktown is not in danger. Before Washington and his troops left, to be more convincing, he had his men built big army camps and huge brick bread ovens visible from New York to give the appearance of encamping there. During the month of September, the American and French troops attacked the British from both land and sea. Although General Cornwallis and the British put up a valiant fight they were outnumbered and surrounded by the American and French forces. Realizing the situation was hopeless, Cornwallis sent forth a British drummer, followed by a British officer with a white flag and note indicating a request for a cease-fire. On October 19, in a spectacle that was incredible to all who witnessed it, most of Cornwallis' army marched out of Yorktown between American soldiers on one side and French on the other in a line that stretched for more than one mile. The British marched to a field and laid down their arms. Cornwallis chose not to participate in the 4
surrender, citing illness and instead chose General Charles O Hara to lead the British troops. Washington, refusing to accept the sword of anyone but Cornwallis, appointed General Benjamin Lincoln to accept O Hara s sword. The mighty British Goliath army had just formally surrendered to the Americans. News of the British defeat at Yorktown spread quickly. Celebrations took place throughout the United States. London was shocked. Although battles continued for two more years, the war was officially over. And where do you think George Washington gave his farewell speech to his troops? (Pause.) Yes, in New York, now once again a part of America. Conclusion: George Washington set the example for his men and us. Showing us that when we are obedient to God s will and listen to our inner voice, our Holy Christ Self, we too can have our victory. Washington s victory for independence was won for all members of the I AM Race. For America is not just the name of a nation. Spiritually, it refers to all the Lightbearers of Sanat Kumara. Our messenger Mark Prophet shared the story about a man who looked out of his hotel window and saw the word American. When he saw the word American, he didn t see the letters, A-m-e-r. No, all he saw was the letters, i-c-a-n. 1 As an American, those words will help us win our victory I can! 1 Mark Prophet, Lecture, Your Natural Re-Sources, July 20, 1968. 5
Let s show our gratitude to George Washington, now the ascended master Godfre, by standing and saluting him. Hail, Beloved Godfre! (Say 3x.) Thank you for sharing in our story. Have a wonderful day. Permission is granted to copy and share this lesson in its entirety, including all copyright and contact information. This lesson may not be sold or used in any way to gain profit. Published by Montessori International. Copyright 2017 Summit Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. 6
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