TRIVIAL PURSUITS: Who Called Washington “First in War, First in Peace…”

December 14, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - George Washington was famously referred to as "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."

Who coined that phrase, and on what occasion?

Answer:  Henry Lee in George Washington’s eulogy

Washington’s friend Henry Lee (a.k.a. “Light Horse Harry” Lee of Revolutionary War fame) was selected by Congress to deliver a eulogy on behalf of the nation. Lee delivered the entire speech on December 26, 1799 (George Washington died on December 14 of that year). 

 

 

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