Recognize George Washington with his own holiday

column by Douglas Wellman
FORT WAYNE INDIANA NEWS SENTINAL

The combining of the recognition of George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays has done a disservice to both. However, I believe the greater disservice was done to Washington, who was born 274 years ago today.
Among the great statesmen who graced the founding stage of U.S. history, none can compare to Washington. Washington is singularly qualified to be called “The Father of our Country.”

Had Washington not commanded the Revolutionary War army, the war for independence would have failed. Had he not been the presiding officer at the Constitutional Convention, delegates would not have succeeded in producing the best governing document ever produced by men.

What needs to be understood about Washington is why he had such a powerful influence over those other “Founding Fathers” who produced our Constitution.
Anyone who has studied the life of Washington knows of the seemingly never-ending accolades given to his character.

Washington had a sterling character. An enemy in the Revolutionary War, the Duke of Wellington, when notified of Washington’s death said, “He was the purest and noblest character of his time, perhaps of all time.” French historian Alexis de Toqueville said, “The entire world wondered after the character of George Washington.” Why was his character so universally respected? It was because of his unwavering commitment to his Christian faith. From his prayer journal we read, “O most Glorious God, in Jesus Christ my merciful loving Father, I confess and acknowledge my guilt. . . .”

In his farewell address, he said, “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 labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, the firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.”

The plain, simple fact is that Washington’s faith in Jesus Christ and the principles that Jesus and the Apostles taught was so imbued in him that it was an inherent part of his character.

While Lincoln was truly a great president, were it not for Washington’s influence, there would have been no United States for Lincoln to lead. Many have attempted to tarnish Washington’s character along with the other founders.

But Benson Bobrick, in his book “Angel in Whirlwind,” said: "Washington’s consistent dignity, appropriate reserve, high-mindedness, steady decency and meticulous tact have irritated those biographers looking for a weakness, pettiness, faltering, or other evidence of shortcomings redolent of the ‘real’ man. The myth is that there is a myth about him. And those looking to tear down an idol in order to find the ‘real’ man will, as they find him, have to build him back up.”

Michael McCafferty comments:
George Washington was truly a very great man -- and he deserves the honor of his nation. George Washington's life is really an inspiration to America and
the United States Congress should show leadership in making Washington's birthday a special day to honor 'THE FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY'.