George Washington was the first President of the United States of America.  He was the great military leader in the American Revolution, the eight year war of independence of the 13 North American colonies against the mightiest empire in history, Great Britain, from 1775 - 1783.  Washington had a humble beginning, started work as a surveyor at age 15 and had a military career as a young mn in the Virginia militia during British colonial days fighting the French and their Indian allies in what became western Pennsylvania.  His primary occupation was that of farmer on his plantation in Virginia by his famous home of Mount Vernon.  During the American Revolution, the American military force, the Continental Army, experienced horrific hardship, including starvation, freezing to death, literal nakedness and not being paid.  Washington's character kept the army from disintegrating.  His courage, humility, perseverance, kindness, patience and strength were critical.  George Washington is rightly considered the father of the United States of America and, like any good, father, his example of good character has been inspirational and continues to inspire up to the present.  God bless George Washington!  First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen, to quote the eulogy of Light Horse Harry Lee, the father of Robert E. Lee.