Country Roads

Today as I write this column, we are celebrating Presidents’ Day. In earlier years George Washington’s Day and Abraham Lincoln’s Day were celebrated on separate days in February. Students would learn all about these two presidents on their designated days. Interesting history lessons were shared about America during their presidency. Grade school students colored the portraits of these presidents and they were placed above the school’s chalk board for all to admire. Most schools had large portraits of Washington and Lincoln hanging on a wall in each classroom. I remember the country school I attended had Washington’s portrait enclosed with a glass frame placed on the front wall for all to see.

As a young student, I would look at that Washington portrait and wonder why he had white hair with rolled curls on the bottom and such a stern look on his face. Then there were what looked like white clouds at the bottom. Washington is considered to be the “Father Of Our Country.” Lincoln was known for getting the country through the Civil War and, of course, his speech at the Gettysburg Battlefield. It was while a student in Mrs. Mullin’s history class that all her students at some point had to memorize the Gettysburg’s Address. In more recent years, the two special days honoring Lincoln and Washington were officially combined into the making of Presidents’ Day.

America has had 44 presidents and President Trump is currently number 45. It’s difficult to say who would be a favorite choice. My Granddad and Granny Boyles were loyal Republicans who thought highly of President Eisenhower. I can understand their thoughts about Eisenhower as they had three sons serving this country during WWII with Eisenhower as the Supreme Commander during WWII. Granfdad would speak highly of Eisenhower. My mother shared that she respected President Franklin Roosevelt but she would add “even though he was a Democrat, he got us through the depression years and remained a good leader during WWII.” I guess my favorite Presidents were Kennedy, Reagan, Bush II and the current one.

Everyone has their favorite choice as who their favorite President is or was but my generation was taught by the “Greatest Generation” to respect the President of the United States, no matter their political views. Happy Presidents’ Day!