I read with interest George Washington’s birthday printed as Feb. 22, 1732, in the local section of the Sun Journal Feb. 18.

In 1752, the British government adopted and imposed the Gregorian calendar on all its possessions, including the American colonies, decreeing that the day following Sept. 2, 1752, should be called Sept. 14, 1752 – a loss of 11 days by making a necessary correction in the calendar at that time.

Therefore, George Washington was actually born on Feb. 11, 1732, Old Style Calendar, celebrating it for 20 years on that date. However, in 1752, Feb. 11 (OSC) became Feb. 22 (New Style Calendar), which is still in use today.

Richard G. Doucette, Auburn