Why George Washington Should Still Inspire Every American

Amid today's bitter political discord, all should consider Washington's example.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Though rarely honored exactly on his actual birth date of February 22, 'Presidents Day' is still officially Washington's birthday, and the first chief executive deserves every American's gratitude. Despite the political discord of today, Washington's life and example still have the power to inspire anyone who studies them.

Why it matters

Washington was a man of great character who created two key American institutions - the army and the presidency - while also emphasizing that America was a republic, not a monarchy. His decision to free his slaves at the end of his life also acknowledged the shared experience of veterans and the principle that all men are created equal.

The details

Born a Virginia aristocrat, Washington carefully cultivated virtues like self-control, moderation, and civility to become the most widely admired presence in the 13 colonies and new nation. As army commander from 1775-1783, he shaped a ragtag force into one that defeated Britain. As president, he set key precedents for the new government. Though he left no memorable quotes, his life and example continue to inspire those who study it.

  • Washington's actual birth date is February 22.
  • Presidents Day is officially still recognized as Washington's birthday.

The players

George Washington

The first president of the United States, who was a man of great character and created key American institutions like the army and the presidency.

Richard Brookhiser

An author who rescued the view of Washington as a man for the ages in his landmark book 'Founding Father'.

Samuel Johnson

An English writer and Tory who scoffed at the 'loudest yelps for liberty' coming from 'drivers of Negroes'.

William Lee

Washington's former body servant, whom he singled out by name in his will for his 'faithful services during the Revolutionary War'.

Henry Lee

Who famously described Washington in death as 'first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen'.

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What they’re saying

“Washington at the end of his life acknowledged his and Lee's shared experience as veterans. Rightly so: They had both fought to uphold the principle that all men are created equal.”

— Richard Brookhiser, Author (nypost.com)

“Why is it that the loudest yelps for liberty are heard from drivers of Negroes?”

— Samuel Johnson, English writer and Tory (nypost.com)

The takeaway

Despite the political discord of today, George Washington's life and example still have the power to inspire anyone who studies them, as he was a man of great character who created key American institutions and acknowledged the shared experience of veterans and the principle of equality.