Happy Presidents' Day!
(a McQueensLand historical series presentation)
Today our neighbours to the south celebrate Presidents' Day, a solemn holiday observed with reflection and contemplation much the way Canadian college students quietly celebrate and cherish the memory of Queen Victoria on May 24.
Presidents' Day honours the memories of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, both of who were born in February, and both of who -- coincidentally enough -- were presidents. But who were these two distinguised leaders? What were their legacies? Read on.
George Washington (1732 - 1799)
George Washington was an American General and the first President of the United States of America. He had previously been best known for founding the state of Washington and designing the George Washington bridge in New York.
After single-handedly swimming across the Delaware River and defeating the British at Valley Forge, who were having afternoon tea at the time, Washington marshalled his countrymen and formally established his great republic, which he called "Bolivia". Ten years later, after learning there already was a Bolivia, he made his now-famous remark: "Oh, just call it 'America' or some bloody thing". A legend was born.
Washington had wooden teeth, according to several historical records. His wife Martha mysteriously died of an infection -- complications from wood splinters in her genitals. Historians are to this day unable to find a connection, if any.
George Washington was one of the most honourable men who ever lived. His personal integrity, honesty, and commitment to justice are well documented. This is supported by his famous statement "I cannot tell a lie." He died in 1799 of syphilis, which he contracted from a slave forced into prostitution.
Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States. Before being elected to the presidency, he had previously failed as a businessman, farmer, storekeeper as well as failing to be elected to Congress and the Senate. He is the embodiment of the idea that failures who persevere can reach their goals, a model for the current administration. He would overcome these challenges to not only become the tallest president, but also the first to be assassinated.
Although freakishly ugly, Lincoln was a gifted orator. His Gettysburg Address, in which he confounded his audience with the nonsensical "four score and seven years ago", is credited with ending the Civil War. That and the fact that his Union Army killed all the Confederate troops. He also issued an executive order asserting that Americans be "free to own the slaves", however a misprint changed the intended meaning. By this time it was already too late.
Lincoln was shot and killed by Lee Harvey Oswald from a grassy knoll at Ford's Theatre. A century later the Ford Motor Co. named the Lincoln Town Car after him. Coincidence? Conspiracy? You decide.
Today our neighbours to the south celebrate Presidents' Day, a solemn holiday observed with reflection and contemplation much the way Canadian college students quietly celebrate and cherish the memory of Queen Victoria on May 24.
Presidents' Day honours the memories of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, both of who were born in February, and both of who -- coincidentally enough -- were presidents. But who were these two distinguised leaders? What were their legacies? Read on.
George Washington (1732 - 1799)
George Washington was an American General and the first President of the United States of America. He had previously been best known for founding the state of Washington and designing the George Washington bridge in New York.
After single-handedly swimming across the Delaware River and defeating the British at Valley Forge, who were having afternoon tea at the time, Washington marshalled his countrymen and formally established his great republic, which he called "Bolivia". Ten years later, after learning there already was a Bolivia, he made his now-famous remark: "Oh, just call it 'America' or some bloody thing". A legend was born.
Washington had wooden teeth, according to several historical records. His wife Martha mysteriously died of an infection -- complications from wood splinters in her genitals. Historians are to this day unable to find a connection, if any.
George Washington was one of the most honourable men who ever lived. His personal integrity, honesty, and commitment to justice are well documented. This is supported by his famous statement "I cannot tell a lie." He died in 1799 of syphilis, which he contracted from a slave forced into prostitution.
Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States. Before being elected to the presidency, he had previously failed as a businessman, farmer, storekeeper as well as failing to be elected to Congress and the Senate. He is the embodiment of the idea that failures who persevere can reach their goals, a model for the current administration. He would overcome these challenges to not only become the tallest president, but also the first to be assassinated.
Although freakishly ugly, Lincoln was a gifted orator. His Gettysburg Address, in which he confounded his audience with the nonsensical "four score and seven years ago", is credited with ending the Civil War. That and the fact that his Union Army killed all the Confederate troops. He also issued an executive order asserting that Americans be "free to own the slaves", however a misprint changed the intended meaning. By this time it was already too late.
Lincoln was shot and killed by Lee Harvey Oswald from a grassy knoll at Ford's Theatre. A century later the Ford Motor Co. named the Lincoln Town Car after him. Coincidence? Conspiracy? You decide.
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