Why Presidents Day Matters
Oh good. You’re just in time. Dear reader, you may not know it, but Presidents Day in Shady Pines Story Town is not just another federal holiday. No, NO! Monday February 16th is a day of celebration around here.
It’s a chance to shed light on the qualities that make our community strong.
Two of our greatest presidents help remind us what it is to be a good neighbor. And in this small Southern town that means everything.
I think if you listen in on the conversation going on now between Shady Pines Gazette Editor, Zulah Talmadge and Scoop, the Cub reporter, you’ll see what I mean.
Let’s Talk Leadership
“Scoop I think if we’re going to write an article about Presidents Day we need to start with leadership,” says Zulah. “Leadership is about character, not just power.”
Scoop finishes his phone call. “What’s that Ms. Talmadge? Leadership. Right. Then let’s begin with our first president, George Washington.”
Zulah nods her approval. “What do you have in mind?”
Honest Truth Or Myth?
“Well, says Scoop, when we talk about good character there’s a story about him that may or may not be true, but the lesson is a good one.”
“Which one is that?” asks Zulah
“It’s the one about the power of honesty,” answers Scoop. “We learned in school that Washington was only six years old when he was given a hatchet as a gift. He started messing around with it. Of course he didn’t mean to but he accidentally damaged his father’s cherry tree.”
“When his father found out what he had done, he was angry and confronted his son. Young George bravely said, “I cannot tell a lie…I did cut it with my hatchet.” Scoop sighs. “That’s when Washington’s father hugged him and said that his son’s honesty was worth more than a thousand trees.”
Honest Abe
It’s Zulah’s turn. “Since we’re on this topic, how about we turn to our 16th president?”
Scoop lights up. “Cool. Abraham Lincoln was known for his honesty way back when he was a teenager like me!”
Zulah smiles at Scoop’s enthusiasm. “That’s right. The future president was first called “Honest Abe” when he was working as a young store clerk in New Salem, Illinois.
According to one story, whenever he realized he had shortchanged a customer by a few pennies, he would close the shop and deliver the correct change – no matter of how far he had to walk. People respected him for that.
“
Integrity
Scoop nods his head. “You know else both of these men had Ms. Talmadge besides being honest?”
“What Scoop?”
“They had integrity. They did the right thing even when it was hard.”
Zulah takes a sip of coffee from the big coffee mug sitting on her desk. “Go on.”
Scoop clears his throat. “Back to President Washington for a minute. We know he was one of the founding fathers of this country. He was also Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Back in 1775 he led the fight to gain our country’s independence from the British. 
“Where are you going with this Scoop?”
“This is the kicker, says Scoop. “Even though people wanted him to stay on longer as president, Washington left office voluntarily after his second term.
By doing that, he introduced the idea of term limits. Isn’t that something we talk about even today?”
Legacy
“Good point,” says Zulah. Both of these men showed us why honesty and character matters so most. The other thing that impresses me about Lincoln is that he came from a very poor background and worked hard all his life. He was fair and reliable. He even had an amazing ability to split wood. “
Scoop agrees. “And just like Washington, Lincoln led our country through a really horrible war.”
“He sure did,” agrees Zulah. “The Civil War was one of the 
darkest periods in our history. Our country was badly divided. North versus South.”
Scoop looks down. He remembers seeing pictures of those battles.
“I know,” says Zulah softly. “It’s hard to get those images out of your head, isn’t it?”
Scoop replies, “yes.”
Zulah takes a deep breath. 
“Think about this. One of the most moving speeches ever delivered took place on the site of one of those battlefields. Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg address includes one of the most important notions about our country ever stated:
“government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”
Scoop is emotional. “That statement still gives me chills.”
“Me, too,” says Zulah
Why All Of This Matters
Scoop leans back in his chair. “You know Ms. Talmadge this is what I tell little kids who ask me why I like these presidents. To me, these two men show what it is to be a good person. Heck, they were people we’d love to have as neighbors here in Shady Pines.
Zulah turns towards her computer and starts typing on her keyboard. “That’s the way we’ll end our story Scoop. We’ll say that the same kindness, caring, and respect these presidents had for the country are the same qualities we should all show to our friends, family and neighbors. That’s what makes our community special. Even in a crazy modern world you can always find a safe, compassionate place in Shady Pines where kindess matters!”
Loved the video introduction. Thank you for giving us a positive reminder of some great qualities all of our citizens can emulate to create great communities and a better country.
Thank you so much Tamara!
Good reminder about what presidents are a model for, and what we as neighbors are to be doing. Thanks Zulah and Scoop. We’ve had a lot of presidents over the decades, good and not as good. We need to remember lessons from both this President’s Day and remind our kids of those lessons as they move into future decades.
Very well said Sandi. Thank you!
These are character traits we should all aspire to. Really good post
Children can certainly relate to the examples of honesty and integrity of these two presidents. They most likely have been in similar situations where their honesty was appreciated and applauded by an adult. Great idea for teachers to share with students on Presidents’ Day. Thanks, Mary Jane.🤗
Thank you so much Linda!
Thank you for the timely reminder of what our presidents used to mean in terms of role models. We need that again
Our presidents should be men (hopefully a woman sometime soon!) that we can ALL look up to, no matter their policies. Integrity is indeed a noble goal and everyone who holds the office should aspire to that. Thank you for another good post…and an in-person message from the author!
Thank you so much Jerry. Very well said!
I’ve known many good leaders in my life and the common characteristics are – honesty, integrity, respect, fairness. George, Abe and other presidents exhibited these. It saddens me that these qualities are lacking today.
I share your feelings Nancy. Thank you for your comment!
It’s sad we have to explain good character. It used to be understood
I so enjoy sitting down with the latest Shady Pines story. Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad you liked it Amy. Thank you!
Very well done post
Great way to talk about the qualities of a great leader that also makes a great neighbor
I have to hand it to you! You nailed the important qualities of good presidents and good neighbors right on the head! Thank you!
Thank you so much Sharon!
A lesson for everyone, love it.
Kathleen
Thank you Kathleen!
Thanks very much for the post! I wish we have more people with integrity and honesty.
I do too Sunny!
What a timely message!
I love the addition of the video. Great presentation!
Thank you Sheri!
Oh, to have them back! I’m hopeful our population will find a way. Wonderful story. Thanks you.
I appreciate it Elaine!
Yes. Please keep reminding us to listen to our better angels
This really hit home. Why don’t we have leaders who demonstrate these traits?
The video is a great addition to Shady Pines Story Town as as always the story is on point with what we need today and very informative.
Thank you Joanne!
Great post! Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes. “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” Thank you!
Thank you Candy. So glad it was meaningful to you
I think this is a wonderful way for young students to not only receive a history lesson, but also a lesson in the qualities that make a good citizen neighbor and friend
Boy do we need people with integrity in our world.
Amen to that Susan!
I like the video and the way you connected how leaders SHOULD set a good example. Seems we’re missing that these days
Glad you liked the post Sharon. Couldn’t agree with you more
This is really good. What a great take on Presidents Day
Thank you Jim!
An absolute , in my opinion,
spectacularly worded President
Day’s message. Words from Shady
Pines that would bring our modern day attitude to a more peaceful
level…..”character not power”
Thank you so much Jane!
Well that’s different. Good video and wonderful post