George Washington

http://www.aboutfamouspeople.com/images/5001a.jpg (By John T. Marck)

The definition of hero is a person who is honored for what they did. To me, my hero fits the description perfectly. My hero, George Washington, was born February 22, 1732 in Pope's Creek, Virginia. He lived a normal life working on his family's farm. But when he grew up, he became as brave as a firefighter charging into a burning building. Here are the reasons the "Father of our Country" acts as my hero.

Portrait of George (http://deyoung.famsf.org/files/imagecache/blog_large_centered/A307650_0.jpg (By Rembrandt Peale))

George Washington lived in Virginia from 1732 to 1799. My hero, a Caucasian male with reddish hair and gray-blue eyes, was as strong as an ox. Also slender and tall, George Washington stood at 6 foot 3 inches when he died. His family owned a semi-prosperous farm. When he was young, he labored on the farm despite the fact that his father died when George was eleven. Little did he know that he soon would grow up to be our nation's leader.

http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/images/washingtondelaware1.jpg (Emmanuel Leutze created this picture)

In the Revolution, my hero was an important general, leading many bloody battles, valiantly, including the Battle of Lexington and Concord. He also led his men through important events, such as the cold, cruel winter in Vally Forge. He acted so boldly in the war that he was elected for a position that hadn't existed before then, the first president of the United States of America. Also, he was elected president of the Constitutional Convention. Some people thought he was so regal that he should be a king. He turned down the generous offer, saying that America had been ruled by a monarchy for too long. A man of many personalities, George Washington turned out to be inspirational also.

A very modest man, he inspires me in many ways. All he wanted to do was go home after the war, and not try to benefit from the fact that he was a great man. Also, he was not a greedy man, turning down the opportunity to become a king. Thirdly, he was a hopeful man. Surviving the war and other events in his life, took a lot of hope. Finally, he was as kind as a boy scout helping an elderly person across the street. For instance, he made provisions to free all his slaves when he died.

George Washington was a courageous man who accomplished many heroic feats during his life. Someday I hope I will live as great of a life as George Washington did. That is why out of all the heroes in the world, George Washington acts as mine.