JOHN TRUSSELL: Washington’s birthday is a reason to celebrate

The Sons of the American Revolution wishes to celebrate the birthday of our most prominent Founding Father, George Washington, who was born on Feb 22, 1732. The federal and state holiday for Washington’s Birthday honors the accomplishments of the man known as “The Father of his Country.”

Celebrated for his leadership in the founding of the nation, he was the Electoral College’s unanimous choice to become the first president. He was seen as a unifying force for the new republic and set a great example for future holders of the office. The holiday is also a tribute to the general who created the first military badge of merit for the common soldier. Revived on Washington’s 200th birthday in 1932, the Purple Heart medal (which bears Washington’s image) is awarded to soldiers who are injured in battle.

As with Memorial day and Veterans Day, Washington’s Birthday offers another opportunity to honor the country’s veterans. Community celebrations across America often display a lengthy heritage. At the George Washington Birth Place National Monument in Westmoreland County, Va., and at Mount Vernon, visitors are treated to birthday celebrations throughout the federal holiday weekend and through Feb. 22.

In 2017, the country will celebrate both Washington’s 285th birthday and the 85th anniversary of the rebirth of the Purple Heart medal. We, the Sons of the American Revolution, salute and honor our first president, George Washington, for his lifelong service to our country.

For more information about SAR, go to gassar.org and for our sister organization, DAR, go to dar.org. We welcome all eligible citizens to join our organizations. Readers needing info on local chapters may write me at 306 Pheasant Ridge Drive, Warner Robins, Ga. May God continue to bless the United States of America.

JOHN TRUSSELL

Warner Robins

EDITOR’S NOTE: John Trussell is public relations chairman of the Georgia Society of Sons of the American Revolution.