SUN STAND STILL 169
While attending a banquet in the grand city
of Versailles, Ben Franklin listened to the British
Minister propose a toast to King George, III, in
which he likened the king "to the sun," and then
listened as the Minister proposed a toast to
King Louis, XIV, comparing him to "the moon."
Then the great statesman, Franklin, arose and
offered this toast: "George Washington, Commander
of the American armies, who like Joshua of old,
commanded the sun and moon to stand still, and
they obeyed him."
Through the centuries, many have given Washington
and the Founding Fathers much honor and praise,
which they richly deserved. They brought forth this
nation, while promising life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness. These were truly great statesmen.
We shall forever be in their debt.
(First published on May 23, 1976)