What Would Washington Wear? Sitewide Presidents’ Day Body Armor Sale
Americans know Presidents' Day as one of the three-day weekend holidays, set on a Monday like Columbus Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. But it wasn't always that way. What we now know as Presidents' Day, we used to celebrate on the fixed date of February 22 as Washington's Birthday. In a sense, we now commemorate all U.S. presidents on this holiday.
No disrespect to Millard Fillmore, but some people disagree with that change in tradition. Could we have lost something significant by shifting away from honoring Washington’s unique greatness? Have we made this more of a participation trophy holiday?
“His Excellency General Washington has arrived amongst us, universally admired. Joy was visible on every countenance.” – General Nathanael Greene
To highlight Washington exclusively, we want to examine the man and how he presented himself. One aspect that stands out about Washington’s character was his striking appearance. We’ll page through the noted book 1776 by David McCullough to see what we can learn about how true leaders dress and how we can apply that to our body armor setups.
Washington was unmistakable.
“But then there was never any mistaking the impeccably uniformed, commanding figure of Washington, who looked always as if on parade.” – 1776, page 33
By unmistakable, we don’t mean Washington didn’t make mistakes. McCullough himself records his various faults in the book. No, we mean he was not the type of man you'd mistake for someone else. When Washington entered a room, you knew who he was because he entered with an imposing presence. As a competent soldier, Washington would have known how to blend in with the crowd when appropriate. But as a leader, that was not his goal.
Washington looked the part.
“And as with everything connected with that role – his uniform, the house, his horses and equipage, the military dress and bearing of his staff – appearances were of great importance: a leader must look and act the part.” 1776, page 42
Law enforcement officers will tell you the lowest level of force is officer presence. Washington prepared and dressed for the scenario he was most likely to encounter. Many confrontations could end quickly by a leader simply looking the part. Officer presence affects those under the leader’s command, as well as bad guys who are sizing you up as a potential target. Caring for your appearance, including all your equipment, goes a long way in commanding respect.
Washington displayed prowess.
Though he wrote to his wife Martha that he had sought to avoid his appointment, he nevertheless “attended Congress in his splendid blue and buff uniform, conspicuously signaling a readiness to take command.” 1776, page 49
Washington wasn't a man who just did what he felt like doing in life. Had that been the case, he would have stayed retired with Martha on his farm at Mount Vernon. But Washington understood he had a duty that others were calling him to. So, when the time came, he dressed in a manner that left no doubt in their minds whether he was willing and able to take charge.
Washington dressed to inspire.
General Washington was a man who knew his appearance could stir others to bold action. Henry Knox wrote that he “was very handsomely dressed and made a most elegant appearance.” 1776, page 145
Knox found Washington to be everything a commander should be. Something about the way Washington carried himself inspired the young colonel to suggest the colossal undertaking of retrieving an abandoned cannon from Fort Ticonderoga. The fact that Knox specifically mentioned Washington’s appearance indicates that it made an impression on him. A good leader and warrior knows what time it is, whether it’s time to fight, time to prepare for one, or time to relax and be at ease with your people.
Plate Carriers 101: Consider Your Appearance
Let's apply some of these principles to choosing and rocking the perfect plate carrier. Of course, when selecting a plate carrier, we're looking for functionality, fit, and freedom of movement.
But if we've learned anything today, it's that appearance matters, too. This is an important investment. You don’t want it to look sloppy.
Spartan Armor Systems has put together a library of videos and blogs to help you select the most suitable plate carrier and to care for it properly. Check them out below.
Dress to prepare for the scenarios you're most likely to encounter.
Setting Up Body Armor Plate Carrier and Accessories
Dress in a manner that fits for comfort, safety, and looks.
Body Armor Plate Carrier Setup, Adjustments, and Fit Test
Dress to appear clean, orderly, and put together.
How to Clean and Store Plates and Inserts
Conclusion
McCullough wrote that Washington saw things “… as they were, and not as he would wish them to be…” And that’s the situation we find ourselves in today. The world is how it is, not how we want it to be. That's what makes body armor the necessary tool it is.
The original Commander in Chief fought for your freedom to protect yourself and your loved ones. And history tells us he looked impressive while doing it. Honor George Washington this Presidents’ Day by taking advantage of our 20% off sitewide sale!*
* Some exclusions apply.