George Washington was born on February 11, 1732. Yes, that’s February 11. The British colonies (which is what the United States of America was then) still used the “old style” , or Justinian, calendar. They didn’t begin using the Gregorian (or new style) until 1752, when George would have been 20 years of age, and before we declared our Independence from Great Britain.

Then George’s birthday was changed to February 22, because of corrections in the dates of the new calendar. When our new President’s Day celebration began, the celebrations of George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday were combined to create this holiday. Now many have forgotten George Washington’s birthday all together.

It seems that many of our school children no longer honor either George Washington or Abraham Lincoln. President’s Day has become a holiday to celebrate whatever U. S. President you have in mind. George and Abe may have lost some of their long held, and well deserved status as being two of our very greatest American heroes.

Be sure you don’t fall prey to this lack of reverence or adoration. Always remember, honor, and celebrate George Washington’s Birthday. Fly the American Flag. Eat some cake, or cherry pie. Tell some stories. Share your own experiences about George Washington. Even visit Mount Vernon. You have my permission, and encouragement, to celebrate out loud on February 22, every year. George Washington is, after all, an indispensable man, and The Father of Our Country.