Happy Birthday, George!
February 15, 2012 Santa Monica Farmers Market
This week’s bunch of freshly cut flowers are deep purple Lisianthus. Their vibrancy and long life are a perfect symbol to celebrate yesterday’s anniversary of the birth of George Washington. Sure we have President’s Day, but is it fair to lump the likes of 41, 43 and 21 together with the hall of famers like Lincoln, FDR and Number 1. Born on February 22, 1732 near Pope’s Creek, Virginia, Washington was arguably the greatest among the founding fathers of our country. Not that he was the most intellectual or sophisticated or even the most astute politically, as those honors might go to Franklin, Jefferson or Madison. No, Washington’s greatest strength was his judgment, his ability to make the right call in times of crisis. To rise above partisan bickering and individual interests and to act in the best interests of his country. Those qualities are sorely missed today.
“There are four things, which I humbly conceive, are essential to the … existence of the United States as an Independent Power:
1st. An indissoluble Union of the States under one Federal Head.
2dly. A sacred regard to Public Justice.
3dly. The adoption of a proper Peace Establishment, and
4thly. The prevalence of that pacific and friendly disposition among the People of the United States which will induce them to forget their local prejudices and policies, to make those mutual concessions which are requisite to the general prosperity, and in some instances, to sacrifice their individual advantages to the interest of the community.
These are the Pillars on which the glorious fabric of our Independency and National Character must be supported; Liberty is the basis, and whoever would dare to sap the foundation, or overturn the structure, under whatever specious pretexts he may attempt it, will merit the bitterest execration, and the severest punishment which can be inflicted by his injured Country.”
George Washington 1783
Flowers For George Washington 