The “Father of our Country,” George Washington, was born on this day in 1732 at Pope’s Creek, Va. The federal government holiday, “Washington’s Birthday,” was on Feb. 18, as a result of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971 to give employees three days off. Thus, the holiday is always on the third Monday of February, which never falls on the 22nd.

In addition, advertisers have perpetuated the myth that the name of the national holiday is Presidents Day, which has been picked up by much of the news media as well.

But we believe George Washington deserves to be recognized on his actual birthday. His steadfastness during the American Revolution was largely responsible for our independence, and his wise leadership as our first president was chiefly responsible for establishing the United States as a stable, long-lasting constitutional republic.

Washington’s Birthday was celebrated by the American people as a national holiday by public acclaim long before the federal government officially recognized it as a holiday in order to give employees a day off.

If you’ve ever read about the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio in 1836, it is noted the Texans were having a celebration the night before the siege started. The Texan colonists were celebrating

Washington’s Birthday on Feb. 22. The siege of the Alamo began Feb. 23 and lasted 13 days.

Some historians have criticized Washington for losing so many battles during the American Revolution. But considering the fact that he had to create the U.S. Army out of mostly raw recruits with little military experience, it is amazing he was able to win as many battles as he did against the largest, best-equipped and best-led army in the world at the time — the British Army

After the war, when the nation was beset by problems, the people once again called upon him to save the nation, this time as the first U.S. president.

As president, he set many precedents that have served the nation well. He strictly governed by the new Constitution, ratified in 1789, and was admired for his honesty, and devotion to God and country. He brought order out of disorder and after two terms in office, voluntarily stepped down from office and returned again to Mount Vernon. He died there Dec. 14, 1799.

George Washington will always be the “Father of our Country.”