For most federal employees like yours truly, Presidents day comes as the second opportunity to have a day off of work. For me, and some "history buffs" like me, it's a day where we can spend at least a few minutes thinking about our leaders, namely George Washington.
Without George Washington, nay, without George Washington's courage, none of us would probably living the lifestyles we currently live.
In the history of the United States, the list of most outstanding, interesting, and influential Americans is very short, probably five people short.
But Washington is No. 1 on that list.
Washington throughout the course of his life, fought in two major wars, once for the British in the French and Indian Wars, and then against the British in the Revolution.
Washington was smart, and opportunistic. Lucky enough to be born into the gentry class in Virginia in 1732, Washington used his status to acquire military position, land, and just about everything else he ended up with in his estate as well as his legacy.
He was a master land surveyor, and while he was a mediocre soldier and commander, he still had enough clout to be the obvious choice to lead the Continental Army against the British.
We know of his failures and successes in the Revolutionary War, and we know what resulted. He became the first President of the United States.
We're now on President #44, which is really funny to think about for a someone with a degree in History.
In relativity to the rest of the World, America is a budding adolescent. With 44 Presidents we have just enough Presidential history to make a Presidents Day worth more than just the celebration of our first President and his life.
So before you go to bed tonight, do yourself a favor. Wikipedia just one of the 44 Presidents and read the entire page. That way, you can tell yourself you've earned your day off.
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