Celebrating
George Washington’s birthday is an American tradition to honor our
first president. Though Presidents’ Day is now the more commonly-used
term, and has expanded to include all presidents, the legal term for
this federal holiday remains Washington’s Birthday.
We honor
President Washington, not because he was flawless; he was not. He was,
however, the epitome of self-sacrifice—both as a soldier and a
statesman. It was that sacrifice that helped make America what it was
destined to become. We honor him because of what he accomplished and the
manner in which he approached service to this nation: with a servant’s
heart.
I am on record as acknowledging President Washington as my
favorite Founder precisely because of that heart. He did not seek power.
He accepted it reluctantly. He answered the call, offered himself up in
the name of service, and helped to usher in a new day. At a time when
he could have remained in office perpetually, as some expected, he chose
to return to life as a citizen rather than seek a third term. He
fulfilled his destiny, and his legacy is secure.
It is refreshing
to reflect on one who was so far removed in spirit from the inside
baseball that too often defines politics now. America celebrates
President Washington for his decision to serve for the right reasons.
Today, we could certainly use a little more Washington in DC and a
little less BS in Washington.
Happy Presidents’ Day.
- Sarah Palin