22 February 2012
Today is the birthday of our First President George Washington! As a country we cannot forget him and the rest of our Founding Fathers and I have always been saddened that we moved from having formal observances of his birthday to having a “Presidents Day” observance. Not to degrade any particular president from the past or present but clearly some are richly deserving of honor and recognition based on their leadership and achievements while others, not so much.
President Washington was the man! He led our fledgling rag-tag army up against the greatest military force of the time and won our freedom from tyranny and subjugation. His leadership then forged the beginnings of the greatest free country the world has ever seen. No small achievement I would say! Had he failed at any point in his tenure as General of our Army and President he would have surely been the first to hang. And for added thought, can you imagine where we would be today if he had failed? Or for that matter what would the world be like today? Anyway, something to think about when considering our first president. However, today is a day to celebrate his birth and to honor him by celebrating our freedom! Rather than bore you with facts and history that most of you should already know, here are some myths debunked, facts and quotes concerning the truly great and honorable President George Washington. Enjoy!
While it cannot be determined that George Washington did or did not chop down a cherry tree in his youth and then said “I cannot tell a lie, I did chop down the cherry tree” it is a story based in some degree of truth. He was a deeply honest and open individual. Known for his courage and open-ness, he was known to “tell it like it is”.
George Washington never had wooden teeth. He did have dentures but they were made mostly from his own teeth, a cows tooth, hippopotamus ivory, metal and springs. In fact, Paul Revere made Washington’s teeth!
He did serve as a British Officer during the French and Indian War.
He never wore a powdered wig a pictured in that famous unfinished picture and on our dollar bill. He kept his hair long and tied in a ponytail.
He never lived in Washington DC.
“Labour to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience.” - Rules of Behavior, undated.
“I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is the best policy.” - Address to the People of the United States.
“Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light.” - Letter to Charles M. Thruston, Aug. 10, 1794
“To contract new debts is not the way to pay old ones.” - Letter to James Welch, Apr. 7, 1799
Have a Blessed Day Ya’ll!
Related Links:
American History “Suite 101” article on George Washington
About.com articles on George Washington
A better About.com article about George Washington
George Washington Quotes:
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