Martha Washington

Foreign. I am Martha Washington. Wife, mother, patriot and witness to the birth of a nation. I did not carry a musket or sign a declaration, but make no mistake, I served the cause of liberty. While my husband led armies, I walked among them. I left the comfort of Mount Vernon to travel to winter encampments to sew garments, tend the wounded, lift spirits and remind our soldiers what they fought for. It's not just soldiers who fight in wars. I was in the snow at Valley Forge. Saw boots without soles, men without rations, but never without courage. And in that bitter winter, I did what I could to warm the fire of freedom with words, with work, with presence. Some called me Lady Washington. Others simply called me strong. But I tell you this. The Revolution was not just fought on battlefields. It was endured in kitchens, cabins and quiet prayers. I buried children. I endured war. I kept the home fires burning, not knowing if I'd ever see George again. I did not choose war, but I chose to stand in it. When we finally saw peace, I longed only for quiet. But liberty, once born, is never truly quiet again. So hear me, dear one. Freedom is not the burden of soldiers alone. It belongs to all of us. My duty is done. Yours is not. Carry it well. And if ever you wonder what one soul can do in great times, remember mine.