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My name is Jenna and this is Smarter News,

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February 22nd marks the birth date of America's first president. Born in 1732 in Virginia,

George Washington grows up to lead the Continental Army and then the nation. His birthday was

celebrated unofficially for years and became a federal holiday in the late

1800s. In fact, Washington's birthday is the official federal holiday we all share every year

on the third Monday of February. But the bookends of his life, the stories of his youth,

and his post-presidency years remain less well told. What image do you have of President Washington in retirement?

I never think of him relaxing at his home in Mount Vernon. I always picture him in his uniform,

strong and stately, always above the political fray. And that picture, shared by many,

may not be the most accurate accurate as author Jonathan Horn discovered.

Jonathan wrote the new book, Washington's End, The Final Years and the Forgotten Struggle.

And he provides a snapshot of the president's life that few have dived into. So my first question for

Jonathan, why title the book in that way?

What's the forgotten struggle of President Washington?

Let's just start with the title, Jonathan, because I was sort of interested in that choice.

Washington's End, The Final Years and the Forgotten Struggle.

Why titled the book in that way?

What is the forgotten struggle of President Washington?

Well, I think the forgotten struggle goes back to the title.

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