George Washington

by Two Chums on February 22, 2013

Oh, what a kind face this gentleman has. George Washington – a household name in our world – was the first President of the United States of America and he took his job very seriously!

Born on the 22nd day of February in 1732 into a Virginia planter family, he learned the morals, manners, and body of knowledge requisite for an 18th century Virginian gentleman. Although early on in his experience, he served with the British in the ongoing skirmishes with France over the Northwest Territory, (Ohio, etc.), George Washington later commanded the fledgling American army to establish the independence of the thirteen colonies – independence from the British.

Once this independence was established, George Washington was elected, unanimously, and became the first President of the United States. A natural born leader, he embodied honesty and integrity and served this country for two terms.

On leaving the office of the President in 1797, he advised his countrymen to avoid becoming entangled in European wars which laid the groundwork for the Monroe Doctrine.

George Washington died in 1799 to the universal acclaim of his countrymen and is perennially included among the top Presidents in US history.

Some fun and interesting facts about George Washington:

George Washington was 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighed 200 pounds. He wore shoes of size 13. He had red hair when young.
His father and elder brother taught George. He did not attend any college. His elder half brother home-schooled him.
There’s a well-known story about his childhood that says, George Washington had once cut down his father’s cherry tree. When asked about it, he had admitted his mistake saying that he wouldn’t be able to tell a lie.
His favorite dishes included cream of peanut soup and string beans with mushrooms. He loved ice cream. He had ice cream coolers installed in his house.
He helped plan the new capital city, which was given his name. But he never lived in that city. He used to commute by a boat from Mount Vernon to Washington D.C.
Fox hunting and fishing were Washington’s favorite sports.
Before dying George Washington said to his doctor and friend, “Doctor, I die hard, but I am not afraid to go. I believed, from my first attack, that I should not survive it. My breath cannot last long.” His last words were, “Tis well.”
Washington left no direct descendant. He did not have any children of his own. His stepdaughter Pasty Custis died of epilepsy in 1773. His stepson Jackie Custis died of meningitis. Washington personally witnessed both these deaths.
Looking at the sequence of events in his life, Washington seems to have had a strange connection with ‘Friday’! He was born on a Friday. He was commissioned lieutenant colonel in the military on a Friday. It was on a Friday that he laid the foundation stone of White House. He was elected President of the Constitutional convention on a Friday and completed his Presidential term too, on a Friday!
Today Washington’s image is a National symbol for the United States. His picture appears on a dollar note. He was the first President to come on a postage stamp. His bust has been carved in Mount Rushmore. The state of Washington, which has his name, is the only state to be named after an American.
He preferred being called Mr. President over any of the glamorous names that he was offered. He wanted to be a public servant. He refused to accept the salary he was eligible for, as a President.

Yes, George Washington is the first on the list of leaders of this wonderful country. The complete list is:

Happy Birthday, Mr. President! You created an amazing legacy!

One Comment

Richard Horner #

What a wonderful tribute to our dear “Mr. President”!!

The great tidbits of information and facts about Mr. Washington’s life are terrific.

Now, if Robin would just make a cherry pie for our Oscar party on Sunday!!

February 22, 2013