THE GREATEST AMERICAN ADDRESS NOBODY HAS READ
It's not who you think
Volume 85, August 1, 2026
This week's edition features a commentary on George Washington, a poem written in memory of my sister Tami, a spotlight on former Cubs first baseman Bill Buckner, and a superb musical performance by Chris Stapleton and Beth Hart.
THE GREATEST AMERICAN ADDRESS NOBODY HAS READ
If you were to ask Americans to name the greatest speech in our nation’s history, many would probably choose Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. As a devoted admirer of Lincoln, I would be hard pressed to argue otherwise. It seems only fitting that America’s greatest president delivered one of America’s greatest speeches.
Having said that, there is another presidential address that deserves to stand alongside Lincoln’s masterpiece, yet few Americans have read it. I can still remember memorizing the Gettysburg Address in school, but I don’t recall ever being taught George Washington’s Farewell Address. That is unfortunate because, in terms of its impact on our nation, it may be every bit as important.
Perhaps one reason it is so seldom read is because it isn’t easy reading. At roughly 7,500 words, it is more than twenty times longer than Lincoln’s address at Gettysburg. It seems only fitting that America’s greatest president delivered one of America’s greatest speeches.
The origins of the document are fascinating. James Madison prepared an initial draft in 1792 when Washington considered retiring after his first term. He ultimately decided to remain in office as bitter disagreements between Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson threatened to divide the young republic. Washington feared that without steady leadership, those growing political tensions might tear the nation apart.
When Washington retired after his second term in 1796, Hamilton used Madison’s earlier draft to produce the Farewell Address we know today.
Years ago, I came across a painting titled First Love by Charles Peterson. Something about the girl reminded me of my sister, Tami, who passed away in 1978 at the age of sixteen. Tami loved horses. I wrote the following poem for my mother. She proudly displayed them in her home for more than twenty-five years. Today it hangs in mine.
Now in the autumn of my years, an old man by measure,
I’ve fought so many battles, and now I’m done.
With life’s many seasons behind me at last,
I believe my race has finally been run.
The possessions chased for so many years
Were not nearly as lasting as once I had thought.
Yet the scars from the chase remain with me still,
Reminding me of the price at which they were bought.
Unknown pursuits lay beyond my own woods,
I could only imagine their other side.
Chasing success left little time to wander,
No matter how often I promised I tried.
So my journey began unlike any before,
Determined that the time would be all mine,
To notice the bark of a weathered old tree,
Or emerald leaves dancing gently in sunshine.
The forest gave way to a meadow of tall grass,
As I wandered beneath a warm summer sky.
Wildflowers nodded in gentle contentment,
While bluebirds and cicadas sang softly nearby.
Then, to my amazement, a brook crossed my path.
Its crystal-clear waters danced over smooth stones.
I knelt for a drink, for I had grown so weary,
Then rested my head there, quiet and alone.
As I drifted to sleep that warm summer afternoon,
I dreamed of promises, ponies, and a young girl laughing.
Carefree and joyful, she seemed lighter than air.
At last I had found the place I’d been seeking.
You see, I had known someone just like her long ago,
Though more than half a century had quietly passed.
When I opened my eyes, I finally understood.
Tami was there...
beckoning me home…
at long last.
NOW AVAILABLE!
Tales from the Whipping Post
Americana • Memories • Humor • Fiction
Inside this varied collection, you will discover:
Personal Reflections: Coming-of-age memories, family stories, and small-town humor.
Rock & Roll: The music and musicians who shaped a generation.
Sports: Triumphs, heartbreak, and a little golf-induced frustration.
History: Forgotten stories, fascinating people, and overlooked moments from America’s past.
Fiction: Original short stories ranging from heartwarming to suspenseful.
Perfect for fans of nostalgic storytelling, witty observations, and heartwarming fiction, Tales from the Whipping Post proves that the best stories are the ones lived, remembered, and passed down.
Grab your copy today and rediscover the stories that make us who we are.
Available in eBook, paperback, and hardcover.
Want a signed copy? Just reply to this newsletter, and I'll be happy to make arrangements with you personally.
Bill Buckner was one of the finest first basemen ever to wear a Cubs uniform, playing on the North Side from 1977 to 1984. He won the National League batting title in 1980 with a .324 average and hit better than .300 four times as a Cub. A notoriously difficult hitter to strike out, Buckner fanned only 18 times during his batting championship season.
He was equally outstanding in the field. In 1980, Buckner recorded 159 assists at first base, breaking the major league record set by Mickey Vernon in 1949. Ironically, despite a career built on dependable defense, he is remembered by many for one infamous error while playing for the Boston Red Sox in the 1986 World Series, a single play that unfairly made him baseball’s scapegoat.
Buckner played 22 seasons in the major leagues with the Dodgers, Cubs, Red Sox, Angels, and Royals. He was often the brightest star on some very disappointing Cubs teams, earning admiration by Cubs fans for his toughness, consistency, and professionalism. Buckner passed away in May 2019 following a battle with dementia. Cubs fans remember him not for one heartbreaking error, but for the outstanding ballplayer he truly was.
When Heaven Goes Silent by Chris Stapleton and Beth Hart
Written by Major Stewart, the main themes explored in 'When Heaven Goes Silent' include the experience of God's silence during difficult times, the importance of trusting in God's character, and the idea that silence can be an invitation to deepen one's faith and relationship with God. It emphasizes that God's silence does not equate to His absence or disinterest, and encourages believers to remember His past faithfulness while waiting for answers.
Chris and Beth deliver a remarkable performance on this song, but then again, when do they not.
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That’s a wrap, folks!
— AW
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Opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and guest contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Brief quotations may be used with attribution.
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