HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 95-4620, by Representatives Backlund, Koster, Sherstad, Crouse, Horn, B. Thomas, Honeyford, D. Schmidt, Beeksma, Robertson, Talcott, Buck, Cairnes, L. Thomas, Schoesler and Mulliken

        WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize excellence in all fields of endeavor; and

        WHEREAS, George Washington, the first President of the United States of America, demonstrated the epitome of excellence in serving the country he loved so well; and

        WHEREAS, George Washington was a son of one of the original American colonies, being raised in Westmoreland County, Virginia; and

        WHEREAS, George Washington's extraordinary success in life was built upon the foundation of values imparted to him in his youth by his mother, Mary Ball Washington, who educated and tutored him at home until he successfully moved on to the venerable institution of William and Mary College, Williamsburg, Virginia, of which he later became its first Chancellor; and

        WHEREAS, George Washington earned and properly merits the highest honor, respect, devotion, and homage from his countrymen for his unwavering commitment, virtuous sacrifice, and wise, principled leadership in the proud and noble struggle for liberty for the American colonies; and

        WHEREAS, George Washington's reverent and faithful guidance as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War gave confidence and spirit to the soldiers and countrymen who suffered uncommon hardships, and demonstrated that the dispensations and blessings of providence are always a constant companion of the honorable and noble patriot laboring for justice, freedom, and truth; and

        WHEREAS, George Washington bravely met and overcame arduous challenges and perils in the heroic struggle of the American patriots, perhaps best symbolized by the cruel and unrelenting hardships the Continental Army experienced under his command during the winter of 1777 at Valley Forge, where overwhelming British forces and inconceivable weather and supply conditions were conquered with patience, bearing, fortitude, and an unwavering faith in God Almighty; and

        WHEREAS, George Washington, victorious in the Revolutionary War, tempered by piety, and inspired by the giving of thanks for the favors and blessings of providence, ushered in the independent and sovereign young republic; and

        WHEREAS, George Washington, following victory for the American States, continued his distinguished service to his countrymen and was unanimously chosen to preside at the Constitutional Convention, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1787, wherein the esteemed charter of the greatest nation ever on this earth was eminently commissioned as the Constitution of the United States of America and later ratified by the people of the several states to form a union which would work to establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, and secure the blessings of liberty for posterity; and

        WHEREAS, George Washington, on April 30, 1789, placed his palm upon an open Bible and solemnly, humbly, and resolutely took the oath of office as the first President of the United States of America amid the thunderous ovation of the people, the pealing of church bells, and roaring artillery salutes and forthwith led the young Republic to a prominent place among the nations of this earth; and

        WHEREAS, This great state of Washington, established in 1889, bears and honors the name of George Washington and the vignette of his likeness prominently and nobly displayed on the state seal;

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington honor George Washington, the first President of the United States, and Father of this great nation, for his innumerable and indomitable accomplishments and contributions for the eternal cause of liberty and justice for all.

              I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

              Resolution 4620 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                February 22, 1995.

                         ________________________________

                          Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk