Presidents Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors the achievements and legacy of the country’s presidents. It is celebrated on the third Monday of February every year. The holiday was originally established to commemorate the birthday of George Washington, the first president of the United States, but later expanded to include other presidents as well. Presidents Day is a day to remember the history and values of the nation, as well as to enjoy some fun activities and traditions.
The History and Purpose of Presidents Day
Celebration of George Washington’s Birthday
The origin of Presidents Day can be traced back to the celebration of George Washington’s birthday, which was on February 22. Washington was a revered figure in American history, as he led the Continental Army during the American Revolution and served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. He was also known as the “Father of His Country” for his role in founding the nation. Washington’s birthday was first celebrated by the federal government in 1885, and became a popular occasion for patriotic events and ceremonies.
Uniform Monday Holiday Act
In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved several federal holidays from fixed dates to designated Mondays. The purpose of this act was to create more three-day weekends for workers and to promote tourism and commerce. The act also combined the celebration of Washington’s birthday with that of Abraham Lincoln, another esteemed president who was born on February 12. Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States, who led the country through the Civil War and abolished slavery. The act took effect in 1971, and the holiday became known as Presidents Day, although the official name remains Washington’s Birthday.
How Is Presidents Day Celebrated?
Observance and Traditions
Presidents Day is a federal holiday, which means that most government offices, schools, and banks are closed. However, some states and localities may have different names and dates for the holiday, depending on their own history and preferences. For example, some states celebrate Washington’s Birthday and Lincoln’s Birthday separately, while others honor additional presidents such as Thomas Jefferson or Ronald Reagan. Some common ways to observe Presidents Day are:
- Learning about the lives and accomplishments of the presidents, especially Washington and Lincoln, through books, documentaries, or online resources.
- Visiting presidential monuments, museums, or libraries, where one can see artifacts, memorabilia, or exhibits related to the presidents.
- Participating in patriotic activities, such as flying the American flag, singing the national anthem, or reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Enjoying some traditional foods, such as cherry pie, which is associated with Washington, or cornbread, which is linked to Lincoln.
Sports Events
Presidents Day is also a time for some sports events, especially in winter sports. One of the most famous events is the NBA All-Star Game, which is an annual basketball game that features the best players from the Eastern and Western conferences. The game is usually held on or around Presidents Day weekend, and attracts millions of viewers and fans. Another popular event is the Daytona 500, which is a NASCAR race that takes place at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida. The race is considered one of the most prestigious and exciting in the sport, and often coincides with Presidents Day.
Presidential Places to Visit
One of the best ways to celebrate Presidents Day is to visit some of the places that are related to the presidents, where one can learn more about their history and culture. Some of the most notable places are:
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is the estate and plantation of George Washington, located in Virginia. It was his home for more than 40 years, and where he died in 1799. The estate is now a museum and a national historic landmark, where visitors can see the mansion, the gardens, the farm, the tomb, and the museum. Mount Vernon also hosts special events and programs for Presidents Day, such as wreath-laying ceremonies, reenactments, and performances.
Other Sites Related to US Presidents
There are many other sites across the country that are connected to the presidents, such as:
- The Lincoln Memorial, which is a monument in Washington, D.C. that honors Abraham Lincoln and his role in preserving the union and ending slavery. The memorial features a large statue of Lincoln, as well as inscriptions of his famous speeches, such as the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address.
- The White House, which is the official residence and office of the president of the United States, located in Washington, D.C. The White House is one of the most iconic and recognizable buildings in the world, and has been the home of every president since John Adams in 1800. The White House offers public tours, as well as online virtual tours, where one can see the rooms, the furniture, the artwork, and the history of the place.
- Mount Rushmore, which is a sculpture in South Dakota that features the faces of four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The sculpture was carved into the granite face of a mountain, and represents the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the nation. Mount Rushmore is a popular tourist attraction, and also hosts ceremonies and events for Presidents Day.
Conclusion
Presidents Day is a holiday that celebrates the achievements and legacy of the presidents of the United States, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. It is a day to remember the history and values of the nation, as well as to enjoy some fun activities and traditions. Presidents Day is also a great opportunity to visit some of the places that are related to the presidents, where one can learn more about their lives and culture. Presidents Day is a holiday that honors the past, inspires the present, and shapes the future.
