Hero...George Washington

The first president of the United States, George Washington, is often referred to as the Father of America.

He was known for his love of the land and farming, and his dislike of war. He was a distinguished general and commander in chief of the colonial armies in the American Revolution.

He married a widow, Martha Dandridge Custis, and they lived at Mount Vernon, Washington's plantation in Virginia on the Potomac River.

George Washington is one of America's greatest heroes. His honesty, courage, and physical strength make him a role model for school children anywhere.

When Washington was a child, he got a hatchet for his birthday. He went outside and chopped down one of his father's cherry trees.

When his father saw the cherry tree, he was angry. He asked his son who had chopped it down. "Father, I cannot tell a lie," George said. "I chopped down the tree."

His father was proud. George was only a young boy, but already he understood how important it was to be honest.

Another story tells how Washington threw a sliver-dollar coin across the Potomac River. Over the years, many people , including professional baseball players, have tried to do same thing.

Most have failed, and people have begun to doubt the story. They don't doubt that Washington had the strength to do it. They argue that Washington was a very careful businessman, and he would never thrown away money!

That Washington had false teeth, however, is true. In fact, they were made out of hippopotamus tusk. They fit very badly and caused Washington constant pain. Many people believe this is why Washington never smile when posing for paintings.