A big birthday salute to our first President (under our current Constitution) George Washington, born on February 22, 1732 (according to the current Gregorian calendar) in Virginia.
Needless to say, almost every school boy and girl can recite Georgie’s accomplishments ad nauseum–well, at least my kids can: Planter (and slaveowner), surveyer, inadvertantly began the first real “world war” in the French and Indian War, delegate to the Virginia House of Burgesses, commander of the Continental Army, president of the Constitutional Convention, and of course the first President under the document that came out of said convention.
Attached is a scene from the 1999 A&E film The Crossing, which deals with Washington’s Christmas victory at Trenton in 1776. General Horatio Gates, a former British soldier, outlies his reservations about Washington’s plan–and Washington himself. In his response, played by Jeff Daniels, you can note Washington’s stature, resolve, reckless nature and his fiery temper: something often forgotten about him.
It’s a great scene to use in the classroom to compare with the idealized Washington of paintings, prints, books and film. Hope you enjoy the rest of Washington’s birthday.
Mr. D's Neighborhood 
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