I am concluding my three-year term as regent of Ashmead Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, by promoting a project called “Send George Washington Back to School.” It is my goal to restore the legacy of this great leader who refused to be king.

My project has two parts. First, I will provide George Washington posters at no cost to teachers who, with their principal’s approval, agree to hang the posters in a prominent place, year-round, in their classrooms. I have written a proclamation for principals to sign to show their support for this project. The proclamation could be read over the intercom or in classrooms as part of an American History lesson. Some schools may want to frame and hang the proclamation.

The second part is providing information about how to receive a 30 by 36-inch framed replica of Rembrant Peale’s “Porthole Portrait of George Washington” from Mount Vernon’s Ladies Association. The portrait is valued at over $300, but will be provided free to schools who agree to hang it in a prominent place so that all students can “literally look up to George Washington again.” 

I have contacted public and private schools in Vicksburg and Tallulah about this project. Tallulah Academy and Delta Christian School have each received Peale’s portrait. Teachers at those schools have also hung George Washington posters in 10 elementary classrooms, the high school American History classroom and the library. At this time, one public school in Vicksburg is the only other school that has contacted me.

I am a teacher at Delta Christian School. My 4-year-old class is a Junior American Citizens Club. My preschoolers recognize George Washington’s picture and identify him as “our first president and the father of our country.” I believe that it is important that we teach, at an early age, respect and appreciation for our founding fathers and for the symbols that represent the United States of America.

Linda Rozier Davis

Tallulah