Drinking patriotic toasts on the Fourth was an important celebratory activity during the nineteenth century. This ritual was practiced and typically observed at dinners following the official ceremonies of the day. Toasts were carefully prepared beforehand by a designated group, written out, with copies submitted both to the celebration committee for its approval and a representative of the local newspaper for public dissemination. The readings were usually brief and some were set in verse. The range of topics for toasts was extensive and included symbolic metaphors, such as the Goddess of Liberty and eagle, dignitaries, both national and local, patriots, the nationšs charters, other countries, the military, agriculture and commerce, and partisan political perspectives. Each reading was followed by an outburst of cheering, often in multiples of three, as well as the firing of muskets and artillery, and the singing of patriotic songs associated in some way with the text of the toast. Toasts to George Washington were most popular and very rarely did a dinner pass without a sentiment offered to the patriot. Toasts to Washington following his death in 1799 were given standing, in silence, and usually a dirge was played in the background by the town's band. What follows are three samples of toasts in chronological order offered in different towns. The wording is exactly as appeared in the local newspapers.

George Washington, President of the United States of America: May the Supreme Executive of every nation be, like him, the friend, as well as the Magistrate of the People. The song sung was "God save Columbia's Son," &c. By N. Fosdick, Esq. Eastern Herald, 6 July 1793, 3. Portland, ME. Then after his death: The memory of Geo. Washington: the old world had produced brave generals, incorruptible patriots, profound politicians, and honest men; it remained for the new world, to give an example of all these excellencies combined, in the man whose name we venerate, and of whose services we reap the fruit. The Centinel of Freedom, 13 July 1819, 3. South Orange, NJ

And: The memory of Washington- "His deathless name shall sound, till time shall cease to be, Who broke a tyrant's chain- who set a nation free." - Washington's March. Baltimore Patriot, 9 July 1924, 2. Baltimore.

May God bless you, your families and those protecting the United States of America. We especially pray for our leaders, that they come to know George Washington and his prayerful and blessed life.

Rev. Don Swanson, Postt Chaplain