Last Monday was Presidents’ Day. The tradition began in 1800 following the death of George Washington the previous year. The 1832 Centennial of his birth and the start of construction of the Washington Monument in 1848 were celebrated nationally. Although this day currently includes the birthdays of other celebrated presidents, traditionalists prefer honoring the most venerated and loved of them all—George Washington. He was truly the Father of our Country.

George Washington spoke with great wisdom on many topics. Here is an insightful remark he made shortly after taking office. It’s so very apt today:

“I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.”