George Washington’s Spectacles

One of the most revealing moments of George Washington's greatness didn't happen on a battlefield or in a grand speech. It happened in a quiet room filled with angry men. These were the soldiers that fought and bled for freedom and yet now Congress refused to pay them. They were ready to overthrow the very government they helped create.(...) Washington heard of the plot and walked uninvited into their meeting. The room fell silent and he pleaded with them not to destroy what they had sacrificed so much to build.(...) Then reaching into his pocket he unfolded a letter and paused. He took out a pair of glasses. No one had ever seen this man wear glasses. He was indestructible. He was a giant. The room fell to a hush and he just said softly, 

"Gentlemen, forgive me (...) I have grown gray and blind in the service of my country."(...) 

That was all it took. The anger dissolved.(...) The rebellion ended.(...) Washington didn't lead with force.(...) Washington led with virtue.(...) And because of that, America was saved.