For citizens of the U.S., Washington has become something of a secular saint. He was a man of inherited wealth, but a man who unselfishly poured himself into the war with England for independence. He was the commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary Army, had remarkable powers as a strategist and tactician (developed during earlier battles against the French), and proved it by taking command of ill-equipped farmers and mechanics near Boston and beating back the well-disciplined British in battles at Concord and Bunker Hill. He went on from there to lead a series of colonial victories, survived a deadly winter at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and finally defeated the English General Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781. Washington was made the first U.S. president, almost by acclamation, after he led the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in 1787, but he resigned the presidency, hurt by the personal virulence and abuse he received from an opposition party (then called Republicans) who sought greater freedom for the individual than Washington thought was good for the country.

MODEL: Washington's balance. He was a successful farmer, and hunter, knew how to entertain, represented his state, Virginia, in the First and Second Continental Congresses, and set a standard for probity and honesty in the office of the President.Heinrich Hertz.

[Double click here for our FECHA bio on Hertz, one of the grand-fathers of radio.]

Defender of the meek. If you were born on February 22, you like to lose yourself in a meaningful cause. Your personal life may be complex and in need of attention, but you put it aside to help others. Ruled by the number 4 and the planet Uranus, you can be opinionated and rebellious.

Democrat. You believe in finding the most good for the most people. Because of your selfless nature, you can be a magnetic leader with many loyal followers. Indeed, you may find yourself supporting or leading the cause of your social group. Highly evolved individuals have even loftier ideals, believing in universal freedom from tyranny and oppression.

Duty and honor. You have the discipline of a drill sergeant and can be ruthless with those who don't. Your standards are too high for anyone (including yourself) to live up to. In fact, you often come down hard on yourself. You must learn to accept things as they are.

Not shy. Just because you give yourself to a cause does not mean you are without ego. Your opinions are very pronounced, and you will not hesitate to express your likes and dislikes.

Revolutionary? You are very critical of society, often rebellious. A genuine pessimist, you announce the shortcomings of everyone and everything. Less mature February 22 people tend to constantly grumble or lash out aimlessly, but do nothing to improve society.

Some Advice : Try not to be so unforgiving. Lighten up. Mistakes sometimes happen and pointing out the person at fault is not constructive. Remain aware of your responsibility to those who trust you.

Also born on this day:
George Washington
Frederic Chopin (Polish composer) Edna St. Vincent Millay (Pulitzer Prize-winning poet) Arthur Schopenhauer (German pessimist philosopher) Julius Erving (NBA all-star) Ted Kennedy (Senator, Mass.) Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg (founder Steinway pianos) Charles O. Finley (Royals, Oakland A's baseball owner) Sparky Anderson (baseball manager) Robert Wadlow (tallest human at 8'11') John Mills (British actor) Robert Young (actor) Kyle MacLachlan (actor) Sybil Leek (British astrologer)