George Washington

Few leaders have ever served their country more unselfishly or in more different ways than did George Washington. After the American Revolution, he was so popular that he might easily have made himself a king or dictator. But he wanted no reward, he said, except the "affection of the free people." George Washington was born on February 22nd, 1732 on a farm in Wakefield, Virginia. His father, Augustine Washington, died when George was only 11 years old. …

…involved in another war. The President was severely criticized by those citizens who favored France. Most citizens hoped Washington would run for a third term, but he refused. Washington died two years after his retirement. He was buried at Mount Vernon. In a speech delivered before Congress, General Henry Lee paid tribute to his former commander in these words: "he was first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."