Most of us remember a little bit about the Revolutionary War as we learned it in our youth. We can recall the heroic efforts of Colonel Knox at Boston as he was requested to recover lost cannon and other materiel lost at Fort Ticonderoga. We remember the victory at Dorchester. Then the move to New York, where George and his valiant soldiers were chased from Long Island, lost at several posts along the retreat, and moved to New Jersey.

The famous painting of George Washington and his military crossing the Delaware reminds us of his small but miraculous victories at Trenton and at Princeton. Spirits were raised again for the battles.

But shortly after those victories, the time for enlistment had expired for many of his soldiers, and he was losing bodies quickly. Here is how he inspired many to remain, even after their time had been served:

“My brave fellows, you have done all I asked you to do, and more than could reasonably be expected, but your country is at stake, your wives, your houses, and all that you hold dear. You have worn yourselves out with fatigues and hardships, but we know not how to spare you. If you will continue to stay one month longer, you will render that service to the cause of liberty, and to your country, which you can probably never do under any other circumstances.”

It was a call to duty, to allegiance, to fidelity, and to commitment. And what do you know? It worked. Not just then, but in 6 long years of war! What an inspirational leader Washington was!!