The Footprints of Our Fathers

Yesterday, we celebrated Presidents Day. For some of you, this may mean a day off of school or work. But, how many of us actually looked back and appreciated the line of leaders that has transpired through the history of our country? This nation would not be here if it weren’t for some ingenious characters known as our forefathers. It all began when a group of natural leaders stood before a document that would form our land into a unified country. They put ink to paper, promising rights and justice to the people of our country. It is superior authority figures such as these men that have shaped us not only into a property or a territory. These men, placing the prosperity of others before their own, have molded a flawless illustration of a priceless nation.

Washington commenced the creation of our history by becoming president in 1789. With his presidency, he carried on the morals and foundations to form a bond between a people and a Savior. The legend of “one nation under God” continues as new presidents step up to take their place in the White House. Memorable presidents take turns leaving footprints on the historical face of America.

Abraham Lincoln began his reign of honesty and determination in 1861. Among the accomplishments of ‘Honest Abe’ was the Emancipation Proclamation. Although the Proclamation did not immediately free enslaved people, it did, however, allow them to serve their country in both the Army and the Navy of the Union. As a result, over 200,000 African-Americans proudly fought for their nation. After the war, Lincoln continued to support legislation that would effectively and actually free the slaves. He was an advocate of the 13th Amendment, which did wind up being the one to liberate the slaves.

In 1901, America was introduced to an activist by the name of Theodore Roosevelt. His many accomplishments included the building of the Panama Canal, cracking down on business monopolies and creating many national parks. One of the most fortifying quotes from Teddy, “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”

The restless motives of our founding fathers and those who have followed behind them are the very components of the land we belong to now. Although, I can admit that some presidents are better than others. That has become more evident within the past few years.

I sometimes become nostalgic for the times during the terms of America’s greatest leaders such as Reagan, Roosevelt and Lincoln. It’s quite ironic that I, a teen of the 21st century, am thirsting for days in which I did not even exist.

To say that Lincolns and Kennedys only come once in a blue moon would be an understatement. While we haven’t seen a magnificent president in a long time, we still honor our presidents of the past and today. I am proud to call myself a born and bred American, no matter who is sitting behind the desk in the Oval Office.

Who was your favorite president? I would enjoy reading your opinion via email, thank you for reading mine.