While a majority of Americans are celebrating "Black History Month" I'm willing to be politically incorrect this President's Day and am recommending a Roku tv show "What Made America Great" hosted by FOX News commentator, Brian Kilmeade.
Season 6, episode 2 explores a tall marble structure, which was built in honor of a white man (heaven forbid!) Not just any white man, but one who's invaluable leadership during the war for independence led to the birth of this country. So you think you really know George Washington?
As a child you may have heard he was so honest "he couldn't tell a lie" and admitted to chopping down a cherry tree. But did you also know...
contrary to popular legend none of his false teeth were made of wood. He wore false teeth made out of materials which likely included elephant and hippo ivory, human teeth, probably cow and horse teeth, copper and silver alloys. In fact when he was inaugurated president in 1789, only one real tooth remained in his mouth!
According to history.com: He was a tall and robust man who had survived multiple life-threatening situations... "at various points he had tuberculosis, smallpox, malaria, dysentery, Quinsy (deep infections of the head and neck), carbuncle (red, swollen boils under the skin) and pneumonia. He survived near drowning in an ice clogged river. He survived the burning and massacre of Fort Necessity. He survived two horses being shot out from under him and four bullets passing close enough to pierce his clothing -all in one battle."
The Roku tv show "What Made America Great" is a mix between "America's Book of Secrets" and "Ancient Aliens." After many years of fundraising and building challenges, the Washington monument was dedicated on a chilly February 21, 1885, one day before George Washington's birthday to honor the "Father of Our Country"
Upon further searching I came across a story of a first grade class who learned about our first president. The young students attended Admiral Farragut Academy, a private college prep school, which provides opportunities- kindergarten to graduation. The website lists their mission core values: "Integrity, self-discipline and perseverance" which my father would say "builds character" as he hands me a broom to sweep up the driveway.
The article was of Mrs Genzel's first grade class at that school. The students prepared Washington's favorite breakfast to celebrate President's Day.
It wasn't pop tarts. The class had been learning many different presidential facts.. as well as reading biography about Washington and Lincoln... they learned that Washington's favorite breakfast was Indian hoecakes, which are very much like pancakes, except they were made out of cornmeal instead of flour... the students used the recipe; followed the instructions to make their own Indian hoecakes using real-life math skills while measuring the ingredients.The only different difference was that the class had to make theirs on an electric griddle versus an iron skillet that would have been used over an open fire." They were after all only in the first grade.
I'm sure they would have been inspired to learn that Washington helped shape our ideals for 226 years, to keep our country away from tyrannical form of government, leading by example and relinquishing his power at the height of his power...turning down the opportunity to be crowned King after completing two terms as president.
Washington didn't want the American experiment to fail and knew that an incredibly popular executive could just win election after election and take absolute control. Washington could have taken complete power, he was that popular. Many believe the American people would have continued to re-elect "The Father of His Country" as long as he was willing to serve in office. Realizing this, Washington voluntarily stepped down after two terms as president. As adults we recognize relinquishing power was one one his greatest services to his country, in a life full of service to the American people. Yet most of the first graders will probably just remember Washington wore hippo teeth. Happy birthday George Washington!A
—Charles Rein