Monday is Presidents Day! Initially Presidents Day was only celebrated as George Washington’s birthday. Later it was changed to Presidents Day.

In honor of the original holiday though, here are a few things you may not know about him.

1. He Was America’s First Mule Breeder

George Washington had a love for animals of all types. Among the many dogs and birds that populated his Mount Vernon estate, mules also found a place.

Washington recognized the value of mules, a cross-breed of horse and donkey, and bred them to be used for farming down south. He is credited with having populated most of the south with his mules.

2. He Holds The Highest Rank In US Military History

During his time leading the Continental army, Washington held the rank of Major General (two stars). Though he commanded the entire Continental Army, his rank wasn’t anything extraordinary.

On the bicentennial of our nation’s birth, the father of our country was posthumously promoted to General of the Armies of the United States of America. This tremendous honor was given in light of just how much General Washington did to form our military and country.

He set the standard for how American soldiers would carry themselves for years into the future.

The current rank bestowed on him makes him a six star general, which means he will never be outranked by any other member of our military — past or present.

3. The British Military Mourned Him When He Died

Understandably, America went into national mourning when our first President died. He was loved and revered by so many that our entire military wore black armbands for six months following, and many American ladies went into formal mourning.

It wasn’t only America that mourned his death though. Even his enemies mourned.

The British military lowered their flags when they received word that George Washington had died. Despite having fought against them and being considered one of the rebel leaders, Washington had earned the respect of the British.

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There you have it — three little known facts about George Washington that you can share with your family on Presidents Day to impress them.

A. M. Watson

Hebrews 13:8