Happy Birthday George Washington…  You are 282 years old today… Congratulations!

In the past several years, I have become very interested in American history and the lives of our Founding Fathers.  (Now why couldn’t I have been this passionate about American history when I was in school?)   Anyway… I am amazed at the dedication and brilliance of George Washington.

He was born in 1732 and was educated at home by his father.  (One of the first models of home schooling ?)

At the age of 20 years old he was a major in the Virginia Militia.  He became one of the largest tobacco plantation owners in Virginia owning over 6,600 acres of land and owning over 100 slaves… which he eventually freed.

After Massachusetts was attacked by the British in 1775, Washington appeared at the second Continental Congress dress in Military attire. He accepted a commission to lead a Continental  Army against the British in order to protect the citizens of Massachusetts.

He was one of the members of the Continental Congress who signed the Declaration of Independence.

After the Declaration of Independence was signed, he continued as the the General of Revolution until it ended in 1783.  He was 51 years old when the war ended.

He was elected President of the United States by 100% of the Electoral votes but declined his salary of $25,000 per year.   He served eight years and could have stayed in his position for a lifetime.  He set the precedent of leaving office after two terms.

He feared that if a President served longer than two terms, he would gain too much power and become a monarch.

During his farewell address he warn about getting involved in foreign wars.  He also
warned against failing moral values and said religion that aspired values would be our only saving grace.

I found this Interesting information from his papers.

Head Quarters, New York, August 3rd 1776. 
Parole Uxbridge. Countersign Virginia
That the Troops may have an opportunity of attending public worship, as well as take some rest after the great fatigue they have gone through; The General in future excuses them from fatigue duty on Sundays (except at the Ship Yards, or special occasions) until further orders.   The General is sorry to be informed that the foolish, and wicked practice, of profane cursing and swearing (a Vice heretofore little known in an American Army) is growing into fashion; he hopes the officers will, by example, as well as influence, endeavor to check it, and that both they, and the men will reflect, that we can have little hopes of the blessing of Heaven on our Arms, if we insult it by our impiety, and folly; added to this, it is a vice so mean and low, without any temptation, that every man of sense, and character, detests and despises it.

Boy, have things changed.  Do you think Washington is turning over in his grave?

Washington was an amazing man and was one of the most prolific writers if his time.  Many of the enactments of  government were initiated because if his pen.

He was a man of impeccable integrity.

Happy Birthday Mr. President.

Kathy

Insightful Nana

P.S.  My other favorite founding fathers are John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.  Abraham Lincoln is another President that I admire.