WASHINGTON D.C. CELEBRATES GEORGE WASHINGTON
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 22, 1924, The Evening Star reports that the Nation's Capital "puts its heart into observance" of the 192nd birthday of "the father of our country."
George Washington* was born 192 years ago on a farm in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He led the Continental Army in victory over Great Britain in the Revolutionary War and served as the first President of the United States, 1789-1797.
President Washington's "Farewell Address" was read aloud today in both houses of Congress. Half or full holidays are being observed in government departments, department stores, and banks.
This evening at 10 o'clock, President Calvin Coolidge will deliver a radio broadcast from the White House transmitted by WCAP and WEAF.
In his address, President Coolidge will say...
"(George Washington) becomes more and more a world figure, a mighty influence reaching all lands and recognized by all people. He is as universal as the truth. No one can think of America without thinking about Washington."
*George Washington (1732-1799) served in the French & Indian War & the Virginia House of Burgesses. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress & president of the Constitutional Convention. GW is ranked among the best of our U.S. Presidents. His features are carved on Mt. Rushmore alongside Presidents Jefferson, Lincoln & Theodore Roosevelt.
SOURCES
"Radio Address to the Nation on the Occasion of Washington's Birthday," by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, www.presidency.ucsb.edu/
"Washington's Birthday Honored," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., February 22, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
