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Most of us know that we have a president who runs the United States of America. But do you know who the very first President was? In February we will commemorate his birth and remember the accomplishments of his life.

Actually, this holiday is to honor all of the past Presidents of the United States. It was started in 1971 when President Nixon declared that the third Monday of February would be a federal public holiday to remember the achievements of all the Presidents. But, this country started with one President who was a strong military commander and an astute political leader who is affectionately known as “the father of our country”.

George Washington was born in Virginia on February 22, 1732. When he was only seventeen years old, he became a surveyor and started his own business. Many people wanted to hire him to survey their land because he was good-natured, honest, and fair. A few years later he became a Major in the army of King George the third of England and led troops in the French and Indian War. This war began when the French landed in the colonies and attempted to turn the local Indians against the British. Washington was a strong and powerful leader during this war and inspired many of his troops. After the British victory in this war, he attempted to settle down with his wife Martha in Mount Vernon, Virginia. However, another war was right around the corner.

During this time, the United States, then only thirteen colonies on the east coast, was controlled by England. The colonists were unhappy with the way they were treated by the British and they started the American Revolution. The colonies needed a great military leader, so Washington was named Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. The war with England was won in 1781. In 1789, the Constitution of the United States of America was written and Washington was the unanimous choice to serve as the first President. During the eight years that followed (he served two terms) he worked very hard to create laws to ensure that this new government, and this new country would succeed. If only he could see the success of his country now, how pleased he would be!