Happy Birthday, Who?
Posted February 26, 2010

This past Monday, we celebrated George Washington's birthday – or, rather, we should have.

What used to be an official holiday recognizing the birth of our nation's first president under the Constitution has been eclipsed by the ambiguous "Presidents Day." This non-specific name satisfies the politically correct crusaders, yet makes one wonder whether the legacy of someone like William Henry Harrison truly warrants the same honor as that of Washington.

Columnist Mark DiIonno recently penned an interesting piece on Washington's impact on New Jersey. In it, DiIonno states, "His footprints are everywhere. From the GW Bridge over the Hudson to Washington Crossing at the Delaware, Washington's name is the most seen on a New Jersey map."

Indeed, from Morristown and Trenton to Newark and Washington's Crossing – and many places in between – the Father of our Nation spent much time in the Garden State.

In this week of his birthday, then, we thought it appropriate to reflect on a few of Washington's thoughts on family, faith, and religious freedom. And what better way to do so than by remembering his own words.

Family:

(in a letter to his wife, Martha)
We have begun our march to the Ohio. A courier is starting for Williamsburg, and I embrace the opportunity to send a few words to one whose life is now inseparable from mine. Since that happy hour when we made our pledges to each other, my thoughts have been continually going to you as to another Self. That All-powerful Providence may keep us both in safety is the prayer of your faithful and ever affectionate friend, G. Washington.

Faith:

(from his First Inaugural Address)
…it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect,

Religion and Religious Freedom:

(Washington addressed the following to Methodist bishops)
[I]t shall still be my endeavor … to contribute whatever may be in my power towards the preservation of the civil and religious liberties of the American People.

(from Washington's Farewell Address)
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labour to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and citizens.

Unfortunately, too few students today are taught the fullness of Washington's legacy. And the blurring of his birthday into "Presidents Day" dilutes even more the memory of his impact.

Yet, as DiIonno notes, "Washington deserves his own [birthday holiday]."

We agree – the history, memory, and legacy of our first president are worth honoring, preserving, and protecting.

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