One of our 12 year old friends is pasionate about George Washington and has told us a little about him. Now that we have been to the town that bears his name (one of hundreds of places in America that do) and made a visit to his home AND had a chat to his wife we too share our friends love of this great man.
One of the things that made him great was his handing over of power - he did it twice, the first time was after the War if Independence. He had commanded the American Army and was so beloved that he could easily have taken power of the country as a 'king'. He believed in power of the people, he resigned his commission and went back to his farm. When he was elected President they asked him to decide what he should be called - King, Emporer, Supreme Ruler....he chose President because he believed it to be the most modest term. Then after two terms in office he declined to run a 3rd time and once again returned to his farm. There are a few leaders in the world who could learn from this example.
Our children with George and Marth and their grand children Nelly and Washy.
George Washington's view of the Potomac River.
We had a chat with Mrs Washington. These live history actors are truely amazing. We have to remid oursleves constantly that she has infact been dead for some time now (May 22nd 1802) and that the women speaking to us about her dearly loved husband is not really who she says she is.
The children were taught how to properly pay honor to an older person when you leave their company.
Mrs Washington, working with her needle while answering our questions.
The front of Mt Vernon.
The back of Mt Vernon.
Waiting for our tour of the mansion.
Our boys and the shoe makers sign.
Some Shoes.
The bed used the slave which made the shoes.
The tomb where the Washington's lay, he wrote the description of what should be built and where in his will, so he was originally placed in the old family vault, then moved here after it was completed.
No comments:
Post a Comment