Father of our country: George Washington sacrificed for his country's well-being and never sought personal gain. With his leadership and moral character, he embodied the true spirit of America. (History: Greatness of the Founders).

Twenty-three-year-old militia Colonel George Washington had been bedridden for nearly a week with a fever and splitting headache. But Washington insisted on heading up to the front as the British army, under the command of General Braddock, neared battle at the French Fort Duquesne. He rode on his horse with a pillow on top of his saddle to ease the pain caused by the bumpy ride.

As the British and colonial force crossed the Monongahela River near present-day Pittsburgh on July 9, 1755, just a few miles southeast of the French fort, a combined force of about 850 French, Canadians, and Indian allies ambushed Braddock's advance column of 1,400. The mostly Indian ...