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When George Washington died in 1799, General Henry Lee put his many achievements into just a few words. He said Washington was “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
Most people remember Washington as the nation’s first president. However, he was also an outstanding military leader. He led the nation to victory in the American Revolution, an eight-year fight for independence from Britain. Americans respected him for his boldness and bravery in combat and for his loyalty to his soldiers during very tough times.
Washington always tried to be honest and true to his word. He had a personal code of right and wrong. He also had a strong sense of duty to his country. Shy and modest, he never expected to be the nation’s first president—and he never sought the office—but when the nation’s leaders convinced him that his country needed him, he agreed to serve. Luckily for us, as you will see, George Washington was the right person for the job.
