George Washington: 2/22/1732

George Washington was born FEBRUARY 22, 1732.

He was unanimously chosen as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army in 1775, unanimously chosen as President of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, and unanimously chosen as the first President of the United States in 1789.

After the Declaration of Independence was read to his troops, July 9, 1776, General Washington ordered chaplains placed in each regiment, stating: "The General hopes and trusts, that every officer and man, will endeavor so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier, defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country."

In his Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789. Washington said: "It would be peculiarly improper to omit, in this first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe...No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of Providential agency."

After his Inauguration, President George Washington attended the "divine service" conducted by U.S Senate Chaplain Samuel Provoost in New York City's St. Paul's Chapel.

American Minute with Bill Federer

The Uniform Holiday Bill

The Uniform Holiday Bill, signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, moved the celebration of George Washington's Birthday to the third Monday in FEBRUARY. Sometime after this, with Lincoln's birthday also being in the month of February, people began referring to the holiday as "Presidents' Day."

Of note is that Presidential tradition is to swear into office with a hand upon the Bible, end the oath of office with "So help me God" and acknowledged a Supreme Being in the Inaugural Address. Eisenhower, Reagan and George H.W. Bush also included prayers.

President Eisenhower began his Inaugural Address in 1953: "My friends, before I begin...would you permit me the privilege of uttering a little private prayer of my own. And I ask that you bow your heads. Almighty God, as we stand here at this moment..."

In 1985, Ronald Reagan began his Inaugural Address: "I wonder if we could all join in a moment of silent prayer..."

George H.W. Bush began his Inaugural Address, 1989, saying: "My first act as President is a prayer. I ask you to bow your heads. Heavenly Father, we bow our heads and thank You for Your love...Make us strong to do Your work, willing to heed and hear Your will..."

American Minute with Bill Federer