In the first episode of our miniseries on the Heroes of Valley Forge, we learn that it was during the Valley Forge encampment that Washington was first called the “Father of His Country” because it was there he embodied both the American government and the fight for independence. When he was among his troops, which was every day, freezing and going hungry with him, they became inspired not to dissolve or disperse but to survive and fight beside this towering figure.