 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.
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.
Learn how to properly fly the flag of the United States of America
Fly the Flag
PRESIDENTIAL 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: Please review these guidelines carefully before mailing your request to the White
House.
The White House
Attn: Greetings Office
Washington, D.C. 20502-0039
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:
- Wedding (send your request after the event)
- Baby's Birth (must be born during the Bush Administration; send request only after
baby's birth)
- Eagle Scout Award
- Girl Scout Gold Award
- Bar/Bat Mitzvah or equivalent occasion
REQUIRED INFORMATION. Please include the following in your request:
- name and home address of honoree(s)
- form of address (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., Miss, etc.)
- exact date of occasion (month, day, year)
- age (birthdays) or number of years of marriage
- your (the requestor's) name and daytime phone number
- any specific mailing instructions if other than to honoree's address
- Wedding (Include couple's married names and current or new address)
- 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.
Biography of
George Washington Learn about the 16th
President of the United States: Abraham
Lincoln
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George Washington
President's Day
Project (pdf)
Presidents Coloring Pages
(pdf)
Black Velour Top Hat
Black Felt Top Hat
President's Day
Project (pdf)
Presidents Coloring Pages
(pdf)
FLAGS
PATRIOTIC DECORATIONS
American Flag Coloring Page (pdf)
American Flags
America Invitations
US Pride Party
Red and White Party Supplies
Flag Folding Fan
Liberty Bell
National Treasures
Patriotic Décor Kit
Patriotic Decorama
Proud to be American!
Patriotic Band Bracelets
Patriotic Bunting Border
Uncle Sam Top Hat
PATRIOTIC BANNERS/SIGNS
Patriotic Yard Sign
America Forever Banner
Patriotic Stars Banner
Stars & Stripes Banner
Waving Flag Banner
Patriotic Soldier Banner
Patriotic Curtain Banner
Welcome Home Banner
Support Our Troops Banner
Metallic Flag Banner
We Love The USA Banner
USA Cutout
Patriotic Flags Garland
Patriotic Confetti Pack
Patriotic Umbrella Picks
Waving Flags Border Roll
Liberty Bell
Large American Flags
National Treasures
PATRIOTIC APPAREL
Uncle Sam Top Hat
Patriotic Vests
Stars & Stripes Bandana
Patriotic Top Hat
Patriotic Sequin Top Hat
Stars & Stripes Hat
Skimmer Hat
Red Felt Top Hat
PATRIOTIC TABLEWARE
Patriotic Table Skirt
Red White and Blue Dip Tray
Patriotic Round Bowl
Patriotic Cooler
Patriotic Confetti Pack
Patriotic Centerpiece
Red Star Candle
Patriotic Kit
for 25
Great for all of your Patriotic Events
Patriotic
Decorama
Three Cheers For The Red, White & Blue! Celebrate
the National Holiday
Proud To Be American CD
Patriotic Balloon Box
Red Balloons
White Balloons
Blue Balloons
Learn how to properly fly the flag of the United States of America
Fly the Flag
The President’s Challenge
Jump rope, play catch, race a friend, and more! Win awards for
staying active, and track your progress along with kids across
America.
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