SENATE RESOLUTION 43

(By Senators Azinger, Sypolt, Cline, Roberts, Stollings, Unger, Romano, Rucker, Plymale, and Lindsay)

[Introduced February 14, 2020]

Recognizing President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln on President’s Day.

Whereas, George Washington, also called Father of His Country, was the first president of the United States of America. President Washington’s first term as president was from 1789 to 1793 and his second term from 1793 to 1797; and

Whereas, Prior to becoming president, George Washington played important roles in the military, leading the American Continental Army to victory over the British in 1783; and

Whereas, The likeness and name of President Washington can still be seen in many places in the United States, including: Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota; his image is also used on the one-dollar bill and the quarter-dollar coin; the capital of the United States, Washington D.C., Washington State, and at least three universities are named after him; and

Whereas, Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States and is regarded as one of America’s greatest heroes due to his role as savior of the Union and emancipator of slaves; and

Whereas, President Lincoln was known as Honest Abe, the Rail-Splitter, or the Great Emancipator, and his rise from humble beginnings to achieving the highest office in the land is a remarkable story; and

Whereas, President Lincoln holds a special place in West Virginia history, as West Virginia, the 35th state to be admitted to the Union, was one of two added to the nation in the administration of Abraham Lincoln; and

Whereas, It is fitting that the Senate recognize President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln for their many important contributions and sacrifices to our state and nation; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby recognizes President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln on President’s Day; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate urges the public-school system of West Virginia to emphasize these two important historical figures in the education of our students; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the State Board of Education.