None is unaware of the part George Washing
ton played in the American Revolution. Few have
forgotten his crossing of the Delaware in a sur
prise movement upon the enemy. All know of the
tragic winter at Valley Forge and most are aware
that he might easily have become a dictator had
it not been for his great love of democracy. But
what of his early life? What of Washington the
man.^ What forces in his life so ideally equipped
him to lead our nation to freedom and independ
ence?
Washington inherited a fine physique and an
alert mind. At an early age he divided his time
between schooling and vigorous outdoor activity.
At the age of twenty he was a Major in the Vir
ginia Militia. By the time he was twenty-two he
had been named a Colonel and at twenty-three, he
was Commander-in-Chief of the Virginia Forces.
From this experience he learned military strategy,
tactics, diplomacy and the handling of men and
material.
Washington, too, was a man of great religious
conviction. As Vestryman of his parish he was
chairman of the building committee for several
churches, receiving experience in executive man
agement.
As a member of the Virginia Legislature, Wash
ington learned law making and as a judge in Fair
fax County, he gained knowledge that later be
came invaluable to him as our first President.
In addition Washington was a good business
man. He kept elaborate books and always knew
where he stood on his assets and liabilities. For
many years he was a stockholder in the Bank of
England, a holding which much to his surprise he
found intact after the Revolution.
So as we look over Washington’s life prior to
his appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the
Continental Army we find that he had fitted him
self well for that post. Sometimes history leads us
to believe that in time of great crisis, a hero ap
pears suddenly upon the stage. But if we think
more deeply we find that all great men have risen
to high positions through their own initiative.
^“orge Washington was no exception.