Page 26 - Demo

The boldness of the young revolutionaries motivates and inspires me. The many actions taken across the colonies leading to a declaration of our independence, as well as the eventual framing of a new government and ratification of a Constitution, serve as bookends to a long war which, given the circumstances, should have failed to achieve its goal. The revolutionaries were visionaries who took tremendous risks for rewards that we have all enjoyed for more than two hundred years. Their story reminds us that anything is possible.
I have long imagined what it would be like to be in the Maryland State House
in Annapolis where Washington resigned his commission in late December 1783.
I remember seeing this scene depicted in the Trumbull painting on a school trip to the Capitol Rotunda. For me, this event proves that Washington was a humble man who appreciated the importance of his transition from military leader to citizen as an integral moment in the establishment of our representative government.
The programs of the American Revolution Institute must be the focus of the upcoming triennium, and we must build momentum. However, foundational to this new growth must be a vibrant and renewed membership of the constituent societies. An active membership base will draw contributions from supportive sponsors and Associates. Great progress has been made in recent years to increase not only membership but also the participation of the active members, and I think these are steps in the right direction.
Though my formal education is in a field that puts a premium on precision, life experience has taught me to follow my instincts, too. My all-time high-scoring game as a basketball player in school occurred on an evening when I forgot to wear my contact lenses and everything was a little blurry. I learned to trust my instincts and training because not everything can be in focus and quantified in detail. This philosophy has served me well on many occasions. I suspect it will guide me as a General Officer.
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