Each year, on the third Monday of February, American people observe Washington’s Birthday, also known as Presidents’ Day. This federal holiday is not just a day of sales and cleaning house on the threshold of spring. The day is meant to honor the achievements of two of the nation’s greatest presidents – George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Presidents’ Day is a day to honor all the American presidents as well. As George Washington was the first president of the United States, he is often considered the most significant figure of the day. Let’s stop for a moment and recall the origins this important day.
Washington’s Birthday was originally established in 1885 to recognize accomplishments of George Washington and was celebrated on Washington’s actual day of birth – February 22. George Washington was the first president of the United States of America. Before he became president, Washington was commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and led it to victory over the British in 1783. Washington’s Farewell Address was one of the most influential primers on republicanism and a powerful statement against sectionalism and involvement in foreign wars. The address set American values regarding foreign affairs, recommended friendship and commerce with all nations and warned against involvement in European wars and entering into long-term alliances.
Washington is remembered as the Father of the United States and the most important figure in American history. The portraits and name of George Washington can be seen in many places in the United States. The capital of the United States, Washington D.C., Washington State and several universities are named after him. The portrait of Washington is used on the one-dollar bill and carved, together with three other American presidents, into Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota.
In 1968 Congress proposed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved Washington’s Birthday, as well as a number of other federal holidays, to Mondays in order to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. After the bill went into effect in 1971, Presidents’ Day became the commonly accepted name for this holiday, because there were two presidents who had birthdays around this date – Washington (February 22) and Lincoln (February 12); and because retailers widely use that name to promote sales. However, some states still have individual holidays to celebrate the birthdays of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures.
Presidents’ Day is now traditionally viewed as a day to commemorate life and work of all past presidents of the United States. This day is usually marked by public ceremonies and events in Washington, D.C., and throughout the country. In the days leading up to the holiday, the public schools often organize lessons for students about the presidents of the United States, usually with a focus on the achievements and contributions of Washington and Lincoln. It is also a popular day for stores to start their sales.
We wish all tutors, parents and students a Happy President’s Day!
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