Great Seal > Mottoes > Patriot
The Father of His Country
George Washington is Patriæ Pater – "Father of His Country." He was known for his love of the land and farming, and his dislike of war.
- "Patriot" is derived from pater, the Greek word for father, and is related to other Greek words:
- patria: fatherland, homeland, native country
- paterna: of a father, paternal, native
- patronus: patron, protector
- patrocinor: to protect, defend, support
Patriots honor the Father of their country and protect their fatherland (homeland). A disregard for America's physical environment is unpatriotic.
"I salute you Gentlemen most Affectionately, and beg leave to remind you, that Liberty, Honor, and Safety are all at stake, and I trust Providence will smile upon our Efforts, and establish us once more, the Inhabitants of a free and happy Country." – General Washington to the Officers and Soldiers of the Pennsylvania Associators, August 8, 1776
When he became President, Washington responded to congratulations he received:
To a committee of Roman Catholics – "As mankind become more liberal, they will be more apt to allow, that all those, who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protection of civil government. I ever hope to see America among the foremost nations in examples of justice and liberality."
To the Hebrew Congregations of Savannah, Georgia – "I rejoice that a spirit of liberality and philanthropy is much more prevalent than it formerly was among the enlightened nations of the earth."
What George Washington meant by a "well regulated militia."
President Washington's Indian Peace Medals.