George Washington in the Flesh

While visiting Valley Forge, my peers and I were visited by George Washington in the flesh--or at least an actor who played George Washington in the flesh. This man stood six feet-two inches, as did Washington. He had hand-stitched period clothing, natural gray hair with appropriate curls, and most impressively the demeanor and presents that we all might imagine General Washington carried. He spoke with dignity, an unfamiliar trait in politicians of our day.

For almost two hours we sat, captivated by every word that came from his mouth. This actor had the room believing that he was George Washington. His vast knowledge of history was so extensive, it include Washington's very thoughts and feeling. We asked him about his religious belief and comparative politics, and we believed his answers as if they had come from Washington himself. Lindsay Taylor, my wife, said that she had to keep reminding herself, “He’s not the real thing; he’s not the real thing.” Kyle Jarrett, an intern, said that the experience is better than any other during his time in Washington.

During the next day, while touring in Philadelphia and in response to something a tour guild would say, we frequently respond amongst ourselves, "That's not what George Washington told me."