I wish my parents could have heard that. It would have made my father very proud and my mother actually would have believed you. So there you go. For me as you suggested, this lecture concludes an amazing year that began just a year ago when the library the fred w. Smith library for the study of George Washington opened and i was able to take a seat as one of the inaugural fellows. During that year, i learned what a treasure always of you have in mount vernon led by kurt brands and with library led by Doug Bradburn the staff here is simply extraordinary. They are extraordinaryily loyal. For 150 years, the mount vernon ladys association has kept this place special. With the new library the orientation and education center, no crop of those women have done a better job than the current one, at least since martha did it alone. Among those remarkable women, of course let me thank gay gains and ann petri. Well let me begin tonight with a question. Retirement. Today we think of retirement as
All this month we will be focusing on the life and legacy of George Washington. To mark the anniversary of his birth in 1732. Up next, George Washingtons role in the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The Founding Fathers crafted a new document to replace the articles of confederation which was in i confess for washington was voted to preside over the convention, taking an active role in shaping the constitution we know today. George Washingtons Mount Vernon hosted this hourlong event. This concludes an amazing year that began the year ago last september with the opening of the library for the study of George Washington. During that year as a library fellow, i finished my book on washington which just came out this week and i was able to get a copy today. During that time while i was here, i learned what a rich treasure we all have, especially those of you who live near it the staff here is extraordinarily dedicated loyal , and for 150 years the Mount Vernon Ladies Association has kept