Nearly 250 years ago, George Washington took control of the Continental Army — right here in Cambridge, just a minute’s walk away in Cambridge Common. For 8 long years, Washington led over 200 thousand men on a campaign against the British and led the American people on a campaign against tyranny.
What they did here has laid the groundwork for American society. Life — Liberty — and the pursuit of happiness. This is the founding creed of our nation — upon which we all agree. These are not just words. They are a creed that we all believe in. They are a shared value that we must devote ourselves toward.