WHEREAS, February 16, 2004, the third Monday of February is President's Day, a federal and state holiday in honor of the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln; and
     WHEREAS, George Washington, by today's calendar born February 22, 1732, is known around the world as "the Father of his country" and is revered for the courage demonstrated by his daring winter crossing of the Delaware and his integrity; and
     WHEREAS, Delegates to the Continental Congress "shaped their ideas of the powers to be given to a President by their opinions of Washington's virtues"; and
     WHEREAS, George Washington, serving as the first President of the United States, defined the office and remained ever mindful of his actions and the ramifications carried by his deeds; and
     WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln, born February 12, 1809, is remembered as the savior of the Union, spending much of his first term fighting the Civil War, yet in his second term turned to rebuilding the Union "With malice toward none; with charity for all"; and
     WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln remains one of the most quoted Presidents, having said of the relevant governing virtue of responsibility:

"I freely acknowledge myself the servant of the people, according to the bond of service--the United States Constitution; and that, as such, I am responsible to them"; and