Leadership from the father of our country

On this day in 1775, George Washington, who would one day become the first American president, accepts an assignment to lead the Continental Army.

Leadership. We call him the Father of our country. How fitting the Friday before Father’s Day weekend we have an example of honor and humility.

This Virginia plantation owner and member of the Continental Congress took command of the poorly trained and under-supplied Continental Army and in six years beat the most powerful army in the world at the time. Washington did not accept the appointment for personal gain. In a letter to his wife Martha, admitted that he had not sought the post but felt “it was utterly out of my power to refuse this appointment without exposing my Character to such censures as would have reflected dishonour upon myself, and given pain to my friends.”

After six years of struggle and despite frequent setbacks, Washington managed to lead the army to key victories and Great Britain eventually surrendered in 1781. Due largely to his military fame and humble personality, Americans overwhelmingly elected Washington their first president in 1789.

When you pull out a quarter today, take a look at the face on it. The humble military General from Virginia who led. Take the quarter and do something useful with it and help lead our generation to being better.