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What is Presidents’ Day?
Presidents’ Day is a holiday to celebrate the birthdays of George Washington,
Abraham Linclon, and all of the Presidents of the United States—right? Well, not
exactly. It should have been this simple, but somewhere between the state and federal
governments, Presidents’ Day became something altogether confusing. This article
will explain the confusing aspects of Presidents’ Day and offer an opinion about
how Presidents’ Day can be observed in a simple way.
Background
Before the idea of Presidents’ Day existed, George Washington’s Birthday was
observed as a holiday since 1796. It was then proclaimed a federal holiday in 1885.
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday was also observed as a holiday in several states from
the year 1865, but it was never officially established as a holiday by the federal
government. These two holidays were observed by the public without any difficulty or
confusion until 1968.
Legislation
The federal government reviewed legislation in 1968 that proposed to move
Washington’s Birthday on the calendar from being celebrated on his birthday
(February 22), to being observed on the third Monday of February. Along with this
proposal was another suggestion—to change the name of the holiday to
Presidents’ Day. This would make it possible to integrate Lincoln’s Birthday
with Washington’s Birthday and also to celebrate all other Presidents of the United
States on the same day. As events transpired, the federal government changed George
Washington’s Birthday to the third Monday of February as planned. The change took
place in 1971 with the introduction of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The federal
government did not, however, combine Lincoln’s birthday with the holiday, and they
did not change the name to Presidents’ Day.
Run That By Me One More Time, Please
What resulted from the federal government’s changes was a public that was
thoroughly confused. George Washington’s birthday was to be celebrated on a day
that was not his birthday. The holiday would be celebrated on a date that was between
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday and George Washington’s Birthday. These changes
made it appear that the proposed changes had been accepted by the federal government, and
that the new holiday called “Presidents’ Day” had emerged. Little did
anyone know that what had actually emerged was merely the federal government’s
interest of conveniently having Washington’s Birthday on Mondays.
Hooray!
So What Day Is It Again?
The federal government and the states make independent decisions about holidays. The
holiday that is now observed on the third Monday of February by the federal government is
still officially known as Washington’s Birthday. Some states still observe Abraham
Lincoln’s Birthday on his actual birthday (February 12) and additionally observe
Washington’s Birthday (on the third Monday of February). Other states observe
Presidents’ Day to honor George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and the other
Presidents of the United States, but the federal government still recognizes this day as
George Washington’s Birthday.
If all of this is as clear as mud to you, then you understand it as
well as everyone else does.
Honoring Our Presidents
Many people enjoy having the third Monday of February off of work, or at least they
recognize the day as a holiday of some sort. Whether it is celebrated as
Washington’s Birthday, or Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday, or as Presidents’
Day, it makes sense to observe this day in respect for all who have served as Presidents
of the United States. It seems worthwhile to remember this holiday as something more than
“the third Monday of February.” On this day let us remember the courage and
character of the great men who have preserved our nation and our freedom.
Regardless of what the holiday is called by the federal or state
governments, it is left to individual American citizens to determine the significance of
Presidents’ Day. When the children of America awaken on the third Monday of
February, they should have no reservation in saying, “Today is Presidents’
Day.”
 For a history of George Washington, please click here, or click the picture.
 For a history of Abraham Lincoln, please click
here, or click the picture.
Abraham Lincoln Research Site
For excellent research and historical information, you may also want to visit the
Abraham Lincoln Research Site. This is one of the best resources for information and research about one of America's finest presidents. This site includes a photo gallery, student resources, thorough biographical information, and a variety of links with additional Lincoln information.
- Article by Wes Fessler
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Sources:
1. patriotism.org, “Presidents’ Day”
http://www.patriotism.org/presidents%5Fday/ [Accessed 29 June 2007]
2. Imbornoni, Ann Marie, “Presidents’ Day or
Washington’s Birthday?”
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/washington1.html [Accessed 29 June 2007]
3. cfif.org, No Title
http://www.cfif.org/htdocs/freedomline/current/quiz_images/02_16_06.html
[Accessed 29 June 2007]
4. wikipedia.org, “Presidents Day (United States)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidents_Day_%28United_States%29
[Accessed 29 June 2007]
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