George Washington

(http://news.yale.edu/photos/hail-chief-yale?page=7 ())

George Washington was, "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, . . ." (Dictionary.com), in other words he was the "father of our country". Washington was the leader of the Revolutionary War for our independence from Britain. Washington was ready to fight for freedom from the British. After he wins our independence he becomes the first president of the United States chosen by the people. Later after Washington's presidency, he dies and is buried today in a tomb in Mount Vernon ("The Tomb"). This proves how Washington was the first American hero. To be a hero like Washington one must possess selflessness, leadership, and courage. A hero must have selflessness because a hero must have feelings. Also a hero should be a leader to express to people what they believe in, and they need to have courage to push through metaphorical road blocks. George Washington was a man who was selfless and saw himself equal to his soldiers, fought next to them in time of war courageously and eventually lead them to a new independent country which makes him a hero.

George Washington was selfless and fought by his soldiers and for his soldiers to keep them united. This quote supports the theme of selflessness that can be seen when, "Washington and his forces wintered at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania during the winter of 1777-1778. Conditions were brutal. Not only was the weather fierce, but many of the soldiers lacked adequate clothing, or even shoes. Washington's force of character and his willingness to suffer the same discomforts as his troops helped keep the army together"(Badertscher). George Washington was a selfless man who even though he was higher up in the military rankings he never acted to his ranking. He stayed in the same circumstances as the soldiers did to keep them united. He is willing to suffer to keep the military united. He expresses selflessness when, "Washington told Congress, "I do not think myself equal to the Command I am honored with." Still, he took the job. Washington did not get paid for commanding the Continental army. He asked only that Congress pay him back for his expenses" (Burgan). When Washington does not accept pay for his services it shows selflessness. When he says he is honored to serve shows his commitment to his army. When he says, "I do not think myself equal to the Command I am honored with", this shows selflessness because instead of being paid he gave his service to the country for free to lead and make America an independent country. George Washington expresses selflessness through his speech and actions.

(http://www.mountvernon.org/research-collections/digital-encyclopedia/article/valley-forge/)

Throughout George Washington's career in winning our independence and forming our country it came with a lot of courage. Courage was expressed when, "...Washington was sworn in as the first president of the United States. In his first speech, Washington asked for God's blessing on the new nation. He also talked about the 'experiment' America was beginning with its new government. One senator who heard the speech said Washington seemed nervous or embarrassed: 'He trembled, and several times could scarce make out to read'" (Burgan). At this point Washington is being elected as the first president of the new country. He set standards for future presidents to uphold.. Washington's courage was shown on, "...the summer of 1781, Washington learned that the French were finally sending a large fleet, thousands of troops, and a large loan to help the American cause. The American general decided that now was the time to attack. Washington and the French commander Rochambeau marched their forces to Virginia, after learning that the British, under Lord Cornwallis, had invaded the southern colony" (Badertscher). After learning that the British army invaded Virginia, Washington and the French Commander lead their troops to the British army. This is courageous because Washington knew he was leading his army into battle with no doubts in his army. He was committed to his army and their success. Throughout Washington's road to an independent country he faced hard times that he needed courage to push .

Many Americans see George Washington as a leader and in other words the "father of our country". Washington's soldiers, "...trusted him because he had demonstrated a noble and incorruptible character and he had also shown himself to be an exceptional leader"(Stazesky). This shows Leadership because he shows incorruptible character towards his troops. His troops trusted him too. Washington expresses the idea of leadership, "...in 1775, when the American colonies began their fight for independence from Great Britain, they turned to George Washington to lead their army. After the Revolutionary War (1775-1783), the United States tried to create a government that worked well. When leaders met to shape this new government, they made George Washington the president of the meeting. And when their new government finally began, most Americans agreed on who should lead it - George Washington" (Burgan). Throughout The Revolutionary War, George Washington was a great leader of his army. When leaders met to shape the new country, they elected Washington the president of the meeting. After the meeting the leaders and Americans voted George Washington to be the first president also the first leader of our country. George Washington wasn't only a revolutionary war general he also shaped the United States to what it is today.

(http://www.sonofthesouth.net/revolutionary-war/pol ())

During The Revolution, Washington did everything for the well being of his soldiers, courageously fought next to them, and lead them to their independence. Whenever Washington's soldiers suffered he endured what they had to. He saw himself equal to the soldiers that were lower in rankings than him. Washington was known for his leadership during the Revolutionary War and being the first president. These were both hard to lead because he was the first to do these things in this country, he set the standards. He was courageous in times most people would give up, he would be willing to fight for what he believed and never let anybody get in his way. "... Washington's force of character and his willingness to suffer the same discomforts as his troops helped keep the army together." (Badertscher). Washington is willing to suffer for his army and for what he believed in. If he didn't keep his army together his mission of being independent would have ended. George Washington inspires me. Although I didn't lead a revolution and start a new country, he still inspires me in life. For example, if I were struggling in class or in baseball when most people would give up, I would push on until I succeed like he did. If more people were willing to sacrifice a little for the greater good like him, the world would be a better place. George Washington was the "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, . . ." and the first American hero.