President's Day 2-15-2010, a photo from Virginia, South

Photographer's Note

President抯 Day 2-15-2010

George Washington's Birthday was first implemented by the United States Congress as a federal holiday in 1880. It was the first federal holiday to honor an American citizen and was celebrated on Washington's actual birthday, February 22.

In 1971, President Nixon proclaimed a federal public holiday, Presidents� Day, to be observed on the third Monday of February. That day would honor all past presidents of the United States of America. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, Washington抯 home state, the holiday is legally known as "George Washington Day."

George Washington, the first U. S. President is often called "the father of his country" for the role he played in the formation of the United States. He was the commander of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War. After he was President, he liked to be referred to as General Washington because he believed that he was always a General, but a President only when he was actually the current President.

Pictured is one of George Washington抯 carriages. It is located in the carriage house on the grounds at Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon, George Washington抯 home, is located along the Potomac River a few miles from Washington, D.C. The mansion and the 500 acre estate have been restored to look as they did in the 1700抯 when Washington lived there.

In 2006, The Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center opened at Mount Vernon. A detailed story of Washington抯 life, including his military and political careers are illustrated and illuminated in theaters and galleries.

belido, paololg, mafegan, alin-m, subhendu_bagchi, pajaran has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

batalay (41261) 2010-02-16 2:27

Hello Betty,

You've chosen an angle that is ideal for presenting this vehicle � virtually a diagonal of the rectangular wheelbase. The colors and definition are demonstrate perfect fidelity, in this example of a compact camera performing as well as a single lens reflex (SLR).

Your note is also fascinating. Investigating even deeper, it turns out that England and its colonies (including those in North America) were on the Julian Calendar in 1732 when George Washington was born. The Catholic countries had adopted the superior Gregorian Calendar back in 1584, almost two hundred years earlier. The Julian Calendar has 365.25 days, and the Gregorian, 365.2425. By 1752 when the British (including its Colonies) adopted the Julian, a difference of 10 days had accumulated. On Sept. 11, 1752 King George passed a decree, "Everyone will go to bed on Sept. 11, and wake up on Sept. 22," (eleven days later, i.e. 10+1 (the extra day for the changeover). George Washington was actually born on the Julian Calendar on Sept. 11, 1732.

More about time, take a look at jmdias's "Towers and Palms.". I made a comment, and the reader after me made a comment.

Warm regards,

Bulent

belido (19934) 2010-02-16 3:20

Hi Betty,

interesting photo and note. A bit of the american history I've just learned today :) Good work on the catch. Details are pin sharp and the clarity is really good. Very well done!
Regards,
Carlos

Greg1949 (9011) 2010-02-16 4:04

Betty,

I can't say as I think this is the best photo I have ever seen but it is not bad either. What I do like is the subject, it is a great note and it is absolutely the the goal of TE to present such interesting ones accented but appropriate photos. Fine work.

Greg

jaywalker (16105) 2010-02-16 15:18

Hi Betty, A very beautiful looking coach very elegant I guess this was not for the working class, there is very good detail & soft colours, as my birthday is the 15-Feb do you think I may get a chance to ride in this beautiful piece of transport, kind regards Wilson.

paololg (31448) 2010-02-17 15:45

Ciao dear Betty,
interesting image, pleasantly "retr�", captured with a perfect sharpness. Unbelievable the good definition of the details that allows us to appreciate every single piece of the carriage. Very interesting also the notes about George Washington, one of the greatest and famous Presidents of U.S.
Compliments!
Ciao, have a nice Thursday!
Paolo

fabianoleite (13575) 2010-02-17 17:05

Hello, Betty. Very interesting carriage, I wonder what stories it would tell if it could speak. The details are very well explored, with great sharpness, and the white and brwon bricks make a perfect background. Congratulations! Good note, too, with lots of interesting information.

mafegan (8626) 2010-02-17 23:21

Hello Betty
Great notes to accompany this sharp photo. I must confess I did not know the significance of the President's Day until I read your notes. Most interesting and thanks for sharing, Marlene

PixelTerror (0) 2010-02-18 22:14

Hi Betty
LOL I can imagine the faces of the security guys if the current president would like to parade in such a car... good descriptive image
have a nice day jY

alin-m (3716) 2010-03-02 8:02

Hi Betty.
The carriage looks as good and nice,as in times when the current was used.
Very interesting history lesson on written notice to you.
Friendly greetings.Alin.

subhendu_bagchi (26091) 2010-07-20 18:40

Namaste Betty,
nice tribute for the great. Nice capture of this old carriage. Great to see the frame. It carries nice nostalgia of past. Excellet catch with great clarity and sharpness. Tfs.
Best wishes.
Subhendu

pajaran (117063) 2010-08-10 21:57

Pozdrav.
Dobar motiv i odlican tekst ...
Dan velikog coveka i predsednika amerike.
Kocije su nekad bile ladje na putevima, sada su za uzivanje, lepa fotografija.
Sve najbolje.
Paja.

Google.

Hello.
Good motivation and excellent text ...
The day the great man and president of America.
Kocije was once a boat to the roads, they are now to enjoy, beautiful photos.
All the best.
Paja.