CHARLESTON, W.Va. — One of the country’s founding fathers says today’s leaders need to remember the United States was created because of cooperation and mutual concession.
“We will always succeed as Americans as long as we set aside faction and we set aside division and, dare I say, political party,” said Dean Malissa, in character on Thursday’s MetroNews “Talkline” as George Washington.
He was in Charleston Thursday to speak, as Washington, at fundraisers for The Craik-Patton Museum House at Daniel Boone Park.
James Craik, whose grandfather was Washington’s friend and personal physician, first built the home on the banks of the Kanawha River in 1834. Colonel George Patton, the grandfather of the famous World War II general, later owned the home which has since been moved several times.
Those who operate it now, the Colonial Dames of America, have authentically restored and furnished it to reflect early 19th century life. It is included on the National Register of Historic Places.
Such history, said Malissa as Washington, should be preserved. “We must remember from whence we came, otherwise, we will be nothing,” he said.
Malissa, who has portrayed Washington since 2000, currently serves as the official Washington at the Mount Vernon Estate and Museum and travels to speak as him.