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Sunday, February 15, 2009

George Washington's Feb. 22nd Birthday


George Washington is called the Father of our Country.
George Washington: Farmer, Soldier, and First President of the United States.
George Washington: First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen...
Until 1971, both February 12 and February 22 were observed as federal public holidays to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and George Washington (February 22). In 1971, President Richard Nixon proclaimed one single federal public holiday, the Presidents' Day, to be observed on the 3rd Monday of February, honoring all past presidents of the United States of America.
George Washington was our first U. S. President. He was born February 22, 1732 in Pope’s Creek, Westmoreland County, Virginia. His term as president ran from April 30th, 1789 to March 3rd, 1797. Washington died December 14th, 1799. The early colonists used to celebrate the birthday of the English King, so that was why they decided to honor George Washington. Parades and balls marked the first celebration held in Richmond, Virginia, a year after Washington's death.
Special events in honor of George Washington's 277th birthday will take place from February 14 through February 16, 2009. Learn about the life of this president, his monument, and tributes to him through stories, song, and poems. Students also can learn the attributes of a quarter. This is also a good time to teach about the first U.S. flag and the American colonies. Find ideas for crafts, games, resources, and other activities by checking on some of these links.

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