Happy President’s Day 2026

Written By Kamron Spivey

This Presidents Day, we pause to express our gratitude for the leadership and legacy of America’s presidents. We take especial pride in General George Washington, whose character, restraint, and devotion to republican government and liberal education set the standard for all who followed.

In that spirit, we invite you to follow along with our ongoing “Following Washington” series. Each month, we feature correspondence from the very place Washington was writing exactly 250 years ago — tracing his movements, decisions, and reflections in real time as the Revolution unfolded. It’s a unique way to experience the founding era day by day.

And there’s much more to explore. From primary-source features to our new podcast series, Founding Philosophies, we continue to expand our Revolutionary-era offerings.

Thank you for joining us in remembering—and learning from—the men who shaped our republic. We hope that this message resonates with the broader Washington and Lee community as a reminder about the characters and subjects who merit exceptional attention and study.

First in War, Forgotten by His Countrymen

Discover the remarkable and tragic life of Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee III: Revolutionary War hero, Virginia governor, and father of Robert E. Lee. In this episode of Founding Philosophies, host Kamron Spivey sits down with author Ryan Cole to explore why this brilliant military tactician and eloquent statesman has been largely forgotten by history.

Kamron Spivey
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