There were a lot of miracles during the American Revolution…a lot.
The hurricane at Dorchester Heights that kept the British at bay and saved over one thousand American soldiers.
The sudden fog that gave cover to 9,000 soldiers as they quietly crossed the East River escaping into Manhattan.
The surprise attack (and unlikely defeat) of the barbaric Hessians at Trenton.
The hordes of shad fish who made an early appearance in the Schuyllkill River feeding the starving troops at Valley Forge.
The abrupt storm that trapped General Cornwallis and his army, leading him to wave that little white flag.
And many more.
But perhaps the most miraculous --- the most impressive of them all --- happened after the fighting had ceased.
On December 23rd, 1783 the leader of the revolution, the man who held the heart of the people and the sword of the army, who had the authority - and the urging of some - to take his place as king of America...did the unthinkable.
He did what almost every other revolutionary leader in all of history had failed to do. (Or would do after.)
After winning their independence - rather than taking power for himself - he returned it back to the people. And went home to live as an ordinary citizen.
Happy Presidents' Day everyone!
[Visiting the Washington Moument for the first time. I did not get a picture, but the next day we visited Mt. Vernon and when I walked into the tomb of George and Martha Washington, I knew I was walking on sacred ground.]
[Cover image of Horation Greenough's statue of President Washington found here.}
