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Two Farewells: Comparing the Farewell Addresses of Washington and Eisenhower
portraits of Eisenhower and Washington

Working in groups, students will first examine the farewell speech excerpts, then rephrase and summarize the excerpts in their own words. Using the text they have written, students will compare and contrast the two speeches and write a brief opinion piece explaining what each president would think of the country today.

Sunset
“The essence of leadership is to get others to do something because they think you want it done and because they know it is worth while doing.”

Dwight Eisenhower

Remarks at the Republican Campaign Picnic, President’s Gettysburg Farm, September 12, 1956