Presidential Documents

8259 

Federal Register 

Vol. 72, No. 36 

Friday, February 23, 2007 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 8106 of February 16, 2007 

275th Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

Two hundred seventy-five years after the birth of George Washington, we 

honor the life and legacy of a surveyor from Virginia who became Commander 

of the Continental Army, a major force at the Constitutional Convention, 

and the first President of the United States of America. 

Remembered by the Congress as ‘‘first in war, first in peace, and first 

in the hearts of his countrymen,’’ George Washington dedicated his life 

to the success of America. During the Revolutionary War, Washington’s 

small band of hungry soldiers faced the professional army of a great empire, 

and his unshakable vision for a new democracy proved a powerful inspiration 

to his troops. Knowing that the outcome of their struggle would determine 

‘‘the destiny of unborn Millions,’’ Washington led his often ragged forces 

beyond incredible hardships into battle and on to victory with strength, 

steadfastness, and a quiet confidence. 

The triumphant General treasured his brief time at home, but his devotion 

to duty and belief in the promise of a more perfect Union lured Washington 

from Mount Vernon. He presided over the Constitutional Convention with 

wisdom, diplomacy, and humility and helped form the working model of 

our democracy. When the Constitution was ratified, America again turned 

to a beloved and proven leader, electing George Washington as the first 

President of the United States. 

As we celebrate the life of George Washington and his contributions to 

the American experiment, we can also take pride in our stewardship of 

the Republic he forged. Today, he would see in America the world’s foremost 

champion of liberty—a Nation that stands for freedom for all, a Nation 

that stands with democratic reformers, and a Nation that stands up to 

tyranny and terror. On his 275th birthday, George Washington would see 

an America fulfilling the promise of her Founders, honoring the durable 

wisdom of our Constitution, and moving forward in the world with confidence, compassion, and strength. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States 

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 

and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 22, 2007, as 

the 275th Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington. I encourage all 

Americans to join me in honoring the Father of our Country with appropriate 

civic and service programs and activities in remembrance of George Washington and with gratitude for all he gave for his country. 


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8260 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 36 / Friday, February 23, 2007 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day 

of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first. 

[FR Doc. 07–868 

Filed 2–22–07; 9:32 am] 

Billing code 3195–01–P 


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