George Washington was not only the first President of the United States, but also a true hero who played a critical role in the birth of our nation.

Washington’s leadership and courage were instrumental in winning the American Revolution, and his wisdom and vision helped to shape our country’s early years and build a foundation for the future. He was a man of great faith and deep conviction, and his dedication to the principles of liberty, democracy, and justice continue to inspire us to this day.

Despite all his professional and personal accomplishments, President Washington remained a humble man. Americans wanted to make him king, but he would have none of that. He served two terms as President and he attempted to retire to private life. But when President John Adams offered Washington a commission as chief officer of the U.S. Army in July 1798 to develop plans for a potential war with France, he reluctantly accepted.

A year later, friends urged Washington to run for a third term as President. Replying to his longtime friend, Jonathan Trumbull Jr., Washington wrote, “It would be a matter of sore regret to me, if I could believe that a serious thought was turned toward me as his (President John Adams) successor; not only as it respects my ardent wishes to pass through the veil of life in retirement, undisturbed in the remnant of the days I have to sojourn here…” Unfortunately, Washington’s time in retirement was short lived. He died just two years and nine months later at Mount Vernon with his beloved wife, Martha, at his bedside.

This formidable Founder never lost sight of the fact that he was first and foremost a servant of the people. He understood that leadership is not about personal ambition or power, but about serving mankind, which is the greater good.

May we always strive to live our lives with the same humility, courage, and dedication to service that he embodied, and work to build a better future for ourselves, our children, and our nation.