Colonel Thomas Robeson Chapter DAR

01/03/2026

America 250 float in Rose Parade.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas to all

12/14/2025

One of our projects this year was to purchase a flag for the Aerospace Program. It was present at Laying of The Wreaths ceremony today. We are so grateful to help this program

12/13/2025

Retired Air Force Bill Fleming and his daughter Meg Locklear join us to lay wreaths

12/13/2025

Laying Wreaths Across America today in honor of deceased men and women who served our country for the freedom we enjoy every day

12/13/2025

Today we will meet at Gardens of Faith Cemetery for Wreaths Across America. Come join us at 11:45 to honor veterans.

12/12/2025

Our Service to Veterans chairperson, Chelsea Biggs provided this beautiful Christmas Tree in the Biggs Park Mall, Lumberton, NC Thanks for all you do Chelsea

12/11/2025

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1514648960667373&id=100063668496306

In 1783, King George III asked an American painter what George Washington would do now that he had virtually won the war. The painter replied that the General intended to return to his farm in Virginia. The King was stunned. He reportedly said, "If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world."

Throughout history, victorious generals almost always seized the throne. From Caesar to Cromwell, military success usually meant political dictatorship. The concept of voluntarily walking away from absolute power was practically unheard of.

But George Washington wasn't like other men.

By December 4, 1783, the British surrender at Yorktown was past, and peace was finally assured. Washington commanded a powerful, seasoned army that adored him. Conversely, many of his officers were unpaid and angry at the inefficient Congress. They had the guns, the manpower, and the loyalty to install a new monarch.

He could have been King George I of America.

Instead, on this day in history, Washington walked into the Long Room at Fraunces Tavern in lower Manhattan. The room was filled with his most loyal officers—men like Henry Knox and Baron von Steuben—who had frozen with him at Valley Forge and bled with him for eight long years.

The atmosphere wasn't celebratory. It was heavy with inevitable separation. Washington, usually stoic and commercially reserved, poured a glass of wine and looked at his brothers-in-arms with visible emotion.

"With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you," he said, his voice shaking. "I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable."

He didn't order them. He didn't demand their allegiance. He hugged them.

One by one, the hardened soldiers wept openly. Washington embraced each man in silence. There was no pomp, no ceremony, and no speeches about future conquests. It was just a quiet goodbye between warriors who had done the impossible.

Immediately after leaving the tavern, Washington didn't march on Congress to demand payment or power. He rode to Annapolis, Maryland, resigned his commission, and went home to Mount Vernon to plant crops.

He did the impossible.
He refused the crown.
He trusted the people.

By stepping down, he ensured that the United States would be a republic ruled by laws, not a kingdom ruled by force. He proved that the military serves the people, not the other way around. It was the final, and perhaps greatest, victory of the Revolution.

The world watched in awe as the American Cincinnatus returned his sword to its sheath, proving that character is the strongest constitution of all.

Sources: Mount Vernon Ladies' Association / Library of Congress

12/03/2025

Colonel Thomas Robeson Chapter delivering Walmart gift cards to VA hospital for Homeless Veterans

11/19/2025

Great meeting today with guest speaker Regent, Karen Dawsey from Major General Robert Howe DAR chapter