HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 97-4622, by Representatives Blalock, Kenney, Kastama, Wolfe, Fisher, O'Brien, Gombosky, Anderson, H. Sommers, Butler, Dickerson, Keiser, Cooper, Dunshee, Chopp, Lantz, Sullivan, Wood, Doumit, Grant, Hatfield, Constantine, Cody, Romero, Morris, Quall, D. Schmidt and B. Thomas

      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 these great United States of America, was the epitome of excellence in leadership and service to his country; and

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

      WHEREAS, George Washington's accomplishments and contributions as a native son of the original American Colonies, from Westmoreland, Virginia, were sparked by the original pioneering spirit; and

      WHEREAS, George Washington's lifetime commitment to education began with valued home tutoring by his mother, Mary Ball Washington, and continued with his educational studies at the venerable institution of William and Mary College, Williamsburg, Virginia, of which he later became its first Chancellor; and

      WHEREAS, George Washington's brave and principled leadership was indispensable in our nation's early bid for freedom as he valiantly served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, where challenges of every kind, from the unrelenting hardships endured by the Continental Army at Valley Forge in 1777 to the size and experience of the British forces which might have overwhelmed a less dedicated army, were convincingly vanquished by loyalty to cause, strength of purpose, and nurture from the vision of the birth of a great and lasting nation for those with the fortitude to fight for liberty, equality, and justice; and

      WHEREAS, George Washington, following the triumphant victory of the Continental Army, continued his inspirational leadership and service to his country by presiding over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1787, wherein the greatest charter ever conceived was commissioned as the Constitution of the United States of America and later adopted and ratified by the several states to form the union of these great United States of America; and

      WHEREAS, George Washington again resolutely answered his country's call to service when he faithfully assumed his duties as the first President of these great United States of America, thus ensuring this nation's progress toward liberty, equality, and justice for all;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor George Washington, the first President of these great United States of America and a founding father of this great nation, for his immeasurable contribution to, and noble sacrifices for, the cause of liberty, equality, and justice.

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

         Resolution 4622 adopted by the House of Representatives

                            February 17, 1997.

                     ________________________________

                      Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk