Thursday, February 18, 2010
Most of us are familiar with Gilbert Stuart's George Washington, which was painted late in our first president's life, 1796. Most images of our founding fathers portray them as much older than they were at the time of the American Revolution.
As author David McCullough has pointed out, the American Revolution was actually a young man's and young woman's cause. George Washington was one of the oldest, 43, when he took command of the Continental Army in 1775. John Adams was 40. Thomas Jefferson was 33 when he wrote the Declaration of Independence. None of them had any previous experience in revolutions.
At the end of the war in 1783, one prominent world figure (not American) commented that if Washington returned to private life on his farm, as rumor had it, "he will be the greatest man in the world."
Who said this?
The answer can be found in this YouTube video clip - "The Glorious Cause of America," an address by David McCullough, given at the a forum assembly at BYU on September 27, 2005.
George Washington did return to his private life at Mount Vernon after the war in 1783. Later, he presided over the Philadelphia Convention that drafted the United States Constitution in 1787 and became the first President of the United States under the Constitution in 1789.
Okay, now quiz time.
Who said George Washington will be the greatest man in the world?
Anyone? Does the answer surprise you?
Photo from Wikimedia Commons: Gilbert Stuart's George Washington
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Since 1789, we have had 44 presidents. Below is the YouTube video clip of the first 42 US Presidents Animaniacs - Presidents from George Washington to Bill Clinton. I find their presentation a humorous way to bone up on my American history.
A short biography of all 44 Presidents can be found on the White House Official Site link - Our Presidents
For wisdom and guidance to tackle the tough challenges that face our nation, our President and all our leaders need our prayers. Regardless of the person in office or political affiliation, St. Peter gives us some good advice. (Remember Nero was on the throne of the Roman Empire when he wrote this.)
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
I Peter 2:13 & 14 (NIV)
Okay, now you are ready for that US history quiz or Jeopardy.
And God bless the USA.
February calendar image from: Smashing Magazine - Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: February 2010