President George Washington

George Washington

February 22, 1732 - December 14, 1799

First President of the United States of America

1789-1797

First Commander in Chief of the

Forces of the Continental Army

1775-1783

George Washington commanded the Continental Army

from June 15, 1775 through the end of

the war for Independence in 1783.

George Washington receives the surrender of Cornwallis.

Below, Surrender Field, Yorktown, Virginia, today.

George Washington began the honor and tradition

of the Purple Heart to acknowledge wounds received

in battle fighting for our country.

It is said that he cut pieces out of his cloak

to give to the soldiers.

When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen; and we shall most sincerely rejoice with you in the happy hour when the establishment of American Liberty, upon the most firm and solid foundations shall enable us to return to our Private Stations in the bosom of a free, peaceful and happy Country.

-George Washington,

address to the New York Legislature, 26 June 1775

He has been pleased to favor the American people with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquillity, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of government for the security of their union and the advancement of their happiness, so His divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend.

-George Washington, The First Inagural Address

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George Washington was born 275 years ago - almost three centuries ago. How blessed we were as a nation to have his guidance and abilities in the execution of the Revolutionary War. After the long eight years of war was over, and after the six years it took to write and ratify the Constitution of the United States, he once again served his beloved country and became our first President. He returned to his home after eight years, and died soon after. At his death, his beloved Martha retired to the third floor attic bedroom. There she stayed until her death years later. His birthday should always be one of solemn reflection and admiration for a man who gave his personal life, health and wealth in service to our country.