Superintendent's Blog: February 18, 2008, Presidents' Day

          Presidents’ Day is a time to honor all those who have served as President of the United States.  However, on this day we are more likely to recall the best known of our presidents:  George Washington, the Father of our Country, and Abraham Lincoln, the Great Emancipator.  Washington never imagined himself leading the new country which he and his Continental Army fought so hard to preserve.  After the war, he wanted to spend his life on his estate at Mount Vernon.  However, after the Constitution was ratified, Washington was unanimously elected president, then reelected for a second term.  By the time he left office, the U.S. financial system was well established and treaties with Spain had enlarged U.S. Territory.

            Possibly the most widely quoted of all presidents, Abraham Lincoln had a way of getting to the truth and stating it simply.  When he said, “If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong.” People believed him.  His signing of the Emancipation Proclamation eliminated slavery in the U.S. and set a new social standard for the country.  A peacemaker and a collaborator, Lincoln had a talent for bringing people together.  In 1862, he said, “We can only succeed by concert.”  His belief that the country had to be held together was instrumental in the United States becoming one of the most powerful countries in the world.

            It seems to me that we can learn a great deal from both men, things like courage and compassion, and standing by our beliefs.  We must be sure to tell our children their stories, especially during this month when they are honored.  This is more than just a day off.  It’s a day to remember those men who made this country great.  A day to reflect on what we are doing keep this country great.