7 Ways We Remember George Washington Each Year

3. Independence Day

When the Continental Congress declared independence in 1776, George Washington was many miles away. He received an official notification via a letter dated July 6, 1776, from John Hancock, along with a copy of the declaration which he presented to the Continental Army troops stationed in Boston, MA.

Today, we celebrate every 4th of July with An American Celebration at Mount Vernon. Festivities include dazzling made-for-daytime fireworks shot over the Potomac River and Revolutionary War military re-enactments.

4. Reading of the Farewell Address

Written by George Washington to "The People of the United States of America" near the end of his second term as President, the Farewell Address was originally published in the American Daily Advertiser on September 19, 1796 under the title The Address of General Washington To The People of The United States on his declining of the Presidency of the United States. It was reprinted in newspapers across the country and later in a pamphlet form.

read the full address

5. Thanksgiving Proclamation

In November 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation calling for "a day of public thanksgiving".

read the primary source

It was actually President Abraham Lincoln who helped designate Thanksgiving as the federal holiday we know and celebrate it today.

6. Crossing of the Delaware

General Washington and his Continental Army famously crossed the Delaware River on the cold night of December 25, 1776, a risky offensive maneuver which ultimately changed the course of the Revolutionary War.

An annual re-enactment occurs each December at the site. Thousands gather on the banks of the Delaware River to watch a recreation of George Washington’s daring 1776 Christmas night river crossing. During the event, hundreds of reenactors in Continental military dress listen to an inspiring speech by General Washington and then row across the river in replica Durham boats.