WASHINGTON, D.C., the state of Washington, the Washington Monument, the George Washington Bridge - almost everywhere in the United States there is something named after George Washington. He is America's most famous leader, called the "Father of Our Country."

George Washington was born at his father's Popes Creek, Virginia plantation on February 11, 1732; the date was changed later to February 22nd under the revised calendar. The families of Augustine Washington and Mary Ball, Washington's parents, had been in Virginia since 1657. Through hard work and sound investments Augustine Washington amassed 10,000 acres by the time of his death, whereupon, George received the 260-acre Ferry Farm. He later would receive ownership of Mount Vernon following the death of his half brother Lawrence. Throughout this period, he developed the skills necessary to become a surveyor. Under the tutelage of Lord Fairfax's surveyor, these skills were honed while the two men surveyed Fairfax's five million acres. By 1749, this service secured a position as surveyor in Virginia's Culpeper County.

In time, a career in surveying gave way to a military one. Having kept good notes about his travels in the territories he surveyed, he later reported to the Governor of Virginia who then asked him to deliver an ultimatum to the French. According to the governor, the French were trespassing on lands claimed by the British Crown. This trip toward the Ohio River started in October 1753, and continued through January 1755. This experience of traveling to the Ohio territory and the subsequent report to the governor were instrumental in bringing about the French and Indian War. Following wartime service in the Virginia Militia, Washington returned home a hero.

It is only proper that we honor Washington's birthday as a holiday. George Washington was a great general who led our army against the British in our war of independence, the Revolutionary War. He was Commander-in-Chief of the army during the Revolutionary War and became our first President.  He defeated the British forces, and America became a new, free nation.

After the war, in 1789, George Washington was elected the first president of the United States. He served for eight years, from 1789 to 1796. Washington helped to establish our Constitution, and helped build a new and orderly government. He provided the foundation so the United States could grow into a great nation.

Unlike Abraham Lincoln, George Washington was born of fairly wealthy parents in Virginia. At 16, he went to live at Mount Vernon, a beautiful home on the Potomac River in Alexandria, Virginia. This was to be his home for the rest of his life. It is there that Washington is buried. Today, Mount Vernon is one of the most famous landmarks in the United States.

The first celebration of Washington's birthday was in 1781. It was a great honor, because Washington was still alive. Troops marched in the streets, and the day was made a holiday. Very few men in history have received such an honor in their lifetime.

Today, Washington's birthday is celebrated with cherry pies and talk of little boys chopping down cherry trees.

In schools throughout the United States, children read and write stories about his wonderful deeds.

George Washington did not chop down a cherry tree and then confess the misdeed to his father. That was only a story made up years after his death to show that he was a brave and honest man. No stories are necessary, however, to show the greatness of George Washington. His devotion and courage led an army through Valley Forge and to victory in the Revolution. His honesty and loyalty helped to establish our nation.

Because of Washington's leadership in our early history, he has become known as the "father of our country."

Because two of our most famous Presidents were born in February, we honor all our President's on the third Monday of that month.

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Student Activities:

• Record an audio tape of interviews with pope who live in different parts of the country and how they celebrate President's Day.
• Pick one of our national holiday celebrations and write a short story about how a family celebrate this holiday.
• Find an record music related to one or more national celebrations.
• Perform a medley which encompasses music from all four branches of the armed forces.
• Make a mural depicting scenes of typical celebrations of American national holidays.
• Decorate a box to represent a President other than Lincoln or Washington whom you would like to remember on President's Day
• Figure out a date, from a mathematical perspective, for a new American national holiday.   Explain your system.
• Compare and contrast two national holidays. Use a Venn diagram to show similarities and differences.
• Act out a scene from the life of a President.
• Make a recipe to represent one of the national holidays.
• Write a letter to a government official telling them why a national holiday is important to you.
• Write a story about your favorite memory or personal experience related to a national holiday.
• Design a monument or statue or your favorite national hero.
• Interview at least 3 recent immigrants to the United States.

Lincoln Homesite - National Park Service

Biography of Abraham Lincoln / The White House

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PRESIDENTAL GREETINGS

The White House Greetings Office handles as many requests as possible, in accordance with a set of long-standing guidelines. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL GREETING REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO:

The White House
Attn: Greetings Office
Washington, D.C. 20502-0039

Please review these guidelines carefully before mailing your request to the White House.

U.S. CITIZENS ONLY. The White House will send greetings to United States citizens only, for special occasions as outlined below.
 

ADVANCE NOTICE REQUIRED. Your request must be received six (6) weeks in advance of the event date. We make every effort to honor every request, but we cannot guarantee a greeting if this guideline is not met. (Greetings are generally not sent after the event date, except for wedding congratulations and newborn acknowledgments.)
 

ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS. Anniversary greetings are extended only to those couples who are celebrating their 50th (and subsequent) wedding anniversary.
 

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS. Birthday greetings will be sent only to individuals 80 years of age and above.
 

OTHER GREETINGS. A limited number of special occasions other than birthdays and anniversaries exist for which the Greetings Office will send appropriate recognition to United States citizens. These occasions include important events such as:
 

1. Wedding (send your request after the event)
2. Baby's Birth (must be born during the Bush Administration; send request only after baby's birth)
3. Eagle Scout Award
4. Girl Scout Gold Award
5. Bar/Bat Mitzvah or equivalent occasion
    

REQUIRED INFORMATION. Please include the following in your request:
 

1. name and home address of honoree(s)
2. form of address (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., Miss, etc.)
3. exact date of occasion (month, day, year)
4. age (birthdays) or number of years of marriage
5. your (the requestor's) name and daytime phone number
6. any specific mailing instructions if other than to honoree's address
7. Wedding (Include couple's married names and current or new address)
8. Baby's Birth (Include baby's date of birth and full names and address of baby and parents)
    

WHEN TO EXPECT YOUR GREETING. In most cases, greetings will be mailed from the White House approximately ten (10) days prior to the event.

President's Day Project

President Washington's Coloring Page

Presidents 1 - 43
Coloring Pages

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