George Washington's farewell address was written in 1796. Since 22, February 1862 the farewell address has been read aloud every year as a way to boost and encourage morale. It was originally read during the dark days of the Civil War.
George Washington had intended his address to guide the generations of America to come.
Since 1862, the reading of the farewell address has now become tradition of the Senate towards the end of February every year.