4708

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 96-4708, by Representatives Backlund, Pelesky, L. Thomas, Hatfield, Robertson, Thompson, Ogden 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, epitomizes the very highest level of excellence; and

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

WHEREAS, George Washington was well-rounded in all endeavors perhaps best illustrated by his commitment to education, where building upon valued home tutoring by his mother, Mary Ball Washington, he finished 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 nature, from the cruel and unrelenting hardships faced and endured by the Continental Army at Valley Forge in 1777 to the predicament of overwhelming British forces, were compellingly vanquished by loyalty to cause, strength of purpose, nurture from the vision of the birth of a great and lasting nation and the unwavering assurance of the blessings of providence for those with the fortitude to fight for liberty, justice and freedom; and

WHEREAS, George Washington, following the triumphant victory of the Continental Army, continued his inspirational leadership and service to his countrymen by presiding over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1787, wherein the greatest charter ever conceived and created 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 resolutely again answered the call of his countrymen by faithfully serving our nation as the first President of these great United States of America, thus ensuring the continued path of a nation born to secure the blessing of liberty and providence for posterity; 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 hereby honor George Washington, the first President of these great United States, and a founding father of this great nation, for his immeasurable and uncounted contributions for the cause of liberty and freedom.