It's rare when you get to witness history in your lifetime, but today we all were able to witness American leadership at its finest.
Two-hundred-and-twenty-eight years ago, George Washington lived at a time when no man had ever abdicated power for his successor to be chosen by a democratic process. In 1776, our neighbor put his reputation, his family, his belongings, and his life on the line for an idea called America. Once the Revolution was over in 1781, he could have allowed the colonies to make him King or Emperor and he demurred.
When he was elected President in 1788, Washington could have stayed as long as he liked, until he died. Instead, he demurred again and gave up power in 1797. He established the tradition in our country that elected leaders can give up power and pass the torch to the next generation. A tradition that has carried on for over 200 years until it was attempted to be breached on Jan. 6, 2021.
When the Capitol of Virginia was completed in 1804, there was one statue that belonged in the Rotunda - Houdon's sculpture of Washington completed in 1792. It was placed and never moved.
Today, President Joe Biden demurred to attempting to hold on to power and he did so to facilitate not just passing the torch to the next generation, but also to maximize the possibility that we continue the democracy that we call America.
Please take note of today, make it a learning experience for those in your family, and appreciate the leadership that President Biden showed today. Those of us who live in Fairfax County have a special connection to the father of our country and can take a moment to take in unfolding history.
It is an honor to serve as your state senator and the Majority Leader of the Senate of Virginia.
Surovell was Vice President Kamala Harris' 2020 Virginia Cochair.