Washington’s Birthday |

Sunday is Washington’s Birthday (22 February). As I mentioned on Lincoln’s Birthday, the US Government has elected to conflate these two days (into President’s Day, which was last Monday) to minimize the holidays (days off with pay) for American labor. And, while both Washington and Lincoln were responsible for securing the formation of a more perfect union, Washington was the first of our presidents. And, he was elected unanimously. (Lincoln had three other opponents and only got 40% of the vote, all he needed to win. We’ve had a few other minority presidents since then.)

And, since I live in Alexandria, which is the “official” home town of George Washington, his birthday is a pretty big deal. Parades (the largest and oldest parade celebrating Washington’s birthday), hoopla, and tourists galore. (Of course, Washington’s adopted home, Mount Vernon is officially in Fairfax County, just south of this fair city.) And, you can bet this year’s celebrations will be even bigger since they are on a Sunday, when folks are off work.

But, Washington had to control a diverse set of arguments- Jefferson and Hamilton at each other’s throats, citizens with different heritages, interests, values (remember the country was brand new under Washington’s presidency)- and he had to steer us clear of any wars, since we needed to recover from our War of Independence. (I would actually say it continued, kind of like the Middle East Wars, until the end of the War of 1812.)

He served as our Commander-In-Chief during the Revolutionary War (which is one of the reasons that our President always is our Commander-In-Chief). He also served as chairman of our Constitutional Convention. More importantly, he refused to become King- and as such preserved our nation as a Republic and not a monarchy.

Washington managed to lead this country from a mix of 13 separate states. There was no model for such a union, one with the ideals of individual responsibility and freedom, one with no overriding traditions of its own. In so doing, Washington left this country relatively united, in peace and prosperity.

When Washington died, his acclaim as one of the greatest men who ever lived helped secure his place n the pantheon of great Presidents.

Happy Birthday!