PRESIDENTS' DAY

Last week the country celebrated Presidents’ Day. A national holiday, the day is set aside to recognize and honor the forty-four presidents who have served our country. Generally speaking, the day passes almost unnoticed. Sadly, it is perhaps relished more as a day for eager shoppers and retailers, not to mention a day off for most workers and students.

Before President’s Day was officially inaugurated, we celebrated Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (12 February) and that of George Washington (22 February), arguably the two greatest presidents in American history. Why are they considered the greatest of the forty-four? Well, as we know, it was General Washington who led the Continental Army to victory over the British in the American Revolution and later became our first president and known since as the “Father of our country.” Lincoln of course reunited a blood-stained America following the tragedy of the Civil War.

Washington is my favorite president. General Henry Lee, who served with Washington during the revolution, summed it up beautifully when, following Washington’s death, he so eloquently said that Washington was “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” Washington was the quintessential soldier’s soldier. I think that says it all about the man.

America has fought many great wars since Washington’s victory at Yorktown in 1781. Today we still have brave men and women overseas serving and protecting our nation, following in the proud tradition of our military. I have witnessed firsthand what war can do to our military heroes. As far as I’m concerned, everyone who serves our great republic in battle is worthy of nothing less than our thanks and praise. Thus, when I think of Washington on Presidents’ Day, I think of those men and women overseas who sacrifice so much for us here at home. If Washington were alive today, I know our courageous warriors today would follow him into battle as did that brave Continental Army during the revolution.

All the best to our military and veterans!