Two hundred and sixty four years ago, on May 28th, 1754, a 22-year-old lieutenant colonel named George Washington won a battle against the French in Pennsylvania which started the global Seven Years’ War.  When Britain, France and Spain were all fighting over the North American colonies.

Thirty-five years later, that same man became the first president of the United States.  A new country formed after rebels, led by George Washington, battled Britain for independence during the American Revolution.

George Washington signed the Declaration of Independence, written by his fellow founding father Thomas Jefferson.  And the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness was solidified.  A democracy was born.

As our American neighbours celebrate Memorial Day today, I can’t help but imagine what it was like to be at the front lines of creating an independent country.  I’m sure George Washington didn’t always know what to do next.  And I’m sure he made many mistakes.  But he never wavered from what he felt was right and he secured a spot in world history.  Agree or disagree with his mission, it can inspire us all to never give up on what we believe in.

What can we do today to blaze a trail in our own lives?