"Patriotism should be sought for and will be found in right living." 

"You can't be really patriotic unless you're righteous.  No man can be a good [Christian], and not be true to the best interests and welfare of his country".  (Joseph Smith, Hartman Rector, Jr.)

I had the honor of visiting Mount Vernon this past week with my husband, sister, and her husband.  We had a unique opportunity to take their boat that is stored just off the Potomac in Virginia, and go north almost an hour to Mount Vernon in Virgina, George Washington's home and burial place. After sharing some experiences with each other, my sister and I concluded that this visit was meant to be, and that George (and the Holy Spirit) had something to teach us that day, something we needed to share with those within our sphere. 

Janet, my sister, has had several meaningful experiences regarding Washington, as have I.  We have learned that the more you study somebody, not only do they become real to you, but you begin to realize  the legacy they left behind for us to follow can easily be forgotten, misinterpreted, or disregarded.  The lessons we learned that day, I am here to tell you, is meant for all to hear.  I do not say this braggingly, but in all humility, and I hope you, the reader, interprets my experience that way. 

After George and Martha died, Mount Vernon was left to family members to try to maintain.  However, there was so much acreage, farmland, a mansion, gardens, etc., that his family members either didn't have the means or the desire to keep it up, and it was pretty much in ruins by 1860.  At that point the Mount Vernon Ladies Association bought the land from the family, and started to buy back some of the acreage lost, as well as start to improve the mansion.  By 1960, it was made a National Historic Landmark, and was restored almost completely.  Janet told me she visited Mt. Vernon in the 90's, and was able to tour the mansion, walk the grounds, see his burial place, and see some of his belongings that were on display on one of the lawns.

Jon and I went for the first time in 2003, along with Janet, and my parents.  By then, there was even more to see and do.  About 2 years later, a huge, new museum was built, with life-size structures of him, several movies, and a hands-on place for students.  This is how we got to see Mt. Vernon on this latest trip.  And it was meant to be.  Janet and I were supposed to be there together at this particular time.

Janet, being a "Friend of Mount Vernon", was able to get permission to dock at George's dock on the Potomac River.  We got off the boat and walked up the forest path on his estate to the entrance.  Janet's pass got 3 out of the 4 of us in for free, so we planned on paying for the 4th person.  As we were about to hand the clerk our card, she waved it away, saying our fourth person was free.  It was amazing how many things like this happened that day!

As we walked the grounds, toured the mansion, saw some incredibly made movies about him, and looked through the museum, Janet and I were both quiet, yet talkative.  I think we were both trying to be in tune with the Spirit and his spirit.  It is amazing how strongly both are felt there.  A deep reverance and desire to keep the grounds clean and neat...it felt much like a place of worship.  A place where the Holy Ghost can reside and teach those who come, a quiet, humble, clean place, free of things of the world.  Janet posed the question about why nothing had been done with Mt. Vernon for so long...that it took so many years to restore and now has become a pilgrimage of sorts, to those seeking answers, peace, and comfort in this increasingly evil world.  That question has been on my mind all week since we got back.

We both talked about the fact that this really is a sacred place, and the Lord designated Washington as our country's first leader for a reason.  I'm not sure any other man of the time could have handled with such humility the ultimate power he had been given after the war was won.  He humbly gave up his right to lead after winning the war, giving all those rights and privleges back to Congress.  He was then shortly elected to the position of president, but he never forgot to whom he owed everything to.  Mt. Vernon, as well as other places, remind us greatly of the love he felt for God, and in his own words, how he owed everything he was and did to Him.

This is felt so incredibly strong, especially at his home.  So, as we talked, I think both Janet and I realized that one of the reasons His home has been preserved and saved in the last few years is because now more than ever, we each need to be reminded, physically, spiritually, and emotionally, the principles this country was founded upon.  The incredible sacrifices, their determination to do what was in the best intrest of the people, and not themselves, or their parties.  To put their own needs on the backburner, in order to make freedom happen for every person that lived here.  To be reminded that the power here is God's power. He brought this country out of obscurity, and can withdraw His power just as easily. depending on the choice and will of the people.  But there is no doubt.  The founders loved God, and loved freedom.  They had their differences on how to frame the government, but generally speaking, they looked to God for answers, and were given the directions on how to do so.  So, Mount Vernon really has become a physical temple to millions of people, seeking that same direction on what to do to fix the problems in this country.  Essentially, they are looking for the Holy Ghost to guide them individually, and what to do within their own sphere to preserve freedom and help others preserve it, as well.  A desire to increase the good in people, and to remember the principles that were a guidance to those founders so many years ago.  A truly amazing place.

I encourage everyone within the sound of my voice to go and seek out the Spirit, wherever you are, but specifically in regards to our forgetful nation. Let us go back to see our roots within this country.  Seek those who sacrificed for us.  The Lord will tell us, through those He touches, past and present, what we can do in our own sphere of influence.  Open our hearts and minds, and we will be surprised at what He will help us find.  Good luck and may God bless you, and the United States of America!

"Patriotism is more than flag-waving and fireworks.  It is how we respond to public issues.  If we ask only, 'What's in this proposal for me? -- What do I get out of it' -- we are not patriotic and we are not good citizens.  But if we ask, 'Is this right? -- is it good for the people? -- would it preserve and strengthen our freedom?' --  then we deserve to stand in the company of [great patriots].  Patriotism is trying alway to give more to the Nation than we receive.  It is selfless service." (Ezra Taft Benson)