The students were invited to ask Washington anything about his life and the times he lived in
Have you ever wondered what life was like for the father of our nation George Washington? Did you know that he nearly joined the British navy and that, except for fate, he may have become an Admiral fighting against the Colonists in their quest for freedom?
Did you know that as a youngster he was quite shy? Yet, he became an inspirational leader during the American Revolution and far beyond.
These and many other questions were posed by area fifth grade students from Tukes Valley School in Battle Ground during a special “A Conversation With General George Washington” during the 2022 Washington Sons of The American Revolution (SAR) conference in Vancouver.
Jeff Lightburn, Ft. Vancouver SAR Chapter trustee, said the special session was hosted to encourage students and teachers to participate in the conference which attracted many Compatriot members from across Washington and Oregon. Numerous workshops on genealogy, medicine practiced during the revolution and the role of spies throughout the revolution were also held.
The students were invited to ask Washington anything about his life and the times he lived in. Vern Frykholm, a George Washington reenactor from Sequim who travels our nation talking to students, provided many colorful insights. One story he shared revealed how Washington was urged by his half-brother, Lawrence, to seek a commission in the British Royal Navy. It was only the words of his widowed mother, Mary, who convinced him to stay in the colonies that led him to change his mind.
At age 14, Washington wrote his famous “Rules of Civility and Good Behavior,” and Frykholm embellished on the importance of making good decisions, and that ultimately the students’ daily actions matter. Qualities such as honesty, truthfulness and dependability were underscored.
Linda Korum, one of the fifth-grade teachers and a recent SAR National Elementary History Teacher of The Year, emphasized that the American Revolution was part of the history curriculum for her students, and that the session provided a teachable moment for the boys and girls.
“It was a great opportunity for the kids to be able to ask questions and spark curiosity,” she said. “That’s important for fifth grade students.”
Given all the divisiveness taking place in our nation today, it’s vital to have a character such as George Washington to remind us of where we can bridge our differences, according to Frykholm. Washington certainly had his flaws, Frykholm adds, but “he was an American for everyone.”
The Sons of the American Revolution
The Sons of the American Revolution is the largest male lineage organization in the United States and consists of men who can provide lineal bloodline descent from people who served during the Revolutionary War, or who contributed to establishing the independence of the United States. The society is dedicated to assisting its members, schools, teachers, veterans and the general public in their efforts to sustain and preserve our history and constitutional principles. It consists of 50 societies with more than 500 local chapters, several international societies and over 36,000 members.
