We have a 3 day weekend to celebrate President’s Day. And it is also National Cherry Month. We all know the story of George Washington and the cherry tree, so it is appropriate that the cherry is celebrated during the month of his birth, even though they are not ripe and ready to eat for several months. But the story isn’t really about the cherries anyway.

When we think of our presidents, some are definitely more memorable than others, but even the memorable ones don’t necessarily have an iconic symbol of their life and achievements or personalities. We don’t have National Stovepipe Hat Day for Lincoln or National Jelly Bean Day for Reagan. Now it seems we remember the foibles more than the historic moments.

The media intrusion into the presidency has stolen away the opportunity for those old fashion stories and fables to develop. I am sorry that my kids won’t see our country through the eyes I had in my childhood – Kennedy was a war hero and his Presidency was like a modern Camelot. It was so uplifting and positive. And FDR before him was beloved and saved our country from ruin.

It may not have been completely true, but neither was the cherry tree story.  And in the long run, which story has been better for our country?