presidents day

Presidents Day

Presidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Traditionally celebrated on February 22—Washington’s actual day of birth—the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present.George Washington's Birthday is celebrated as a federal holiday on the third Monday in February. It is one of eleven permanent holidays established by Congress.Federal holidays apply only to the federal government and the District of Columbia; Congress has never declared a national holiday binding in all states and each state decides its own legal holidays.George Washington was born in Virginia on February 11, 1731, according to the then-used Julian calendar. In 1752, however, Britain and all its colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar which moved Washington's birthday a year and 11 days to February 22, 1732. President's Day is a day set aside to honor all of the U.S. presidents. We often think of two great presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln when we celebrate this holiday, as it falls by design between their birthdays. More and more of us, look at this day as a tribute to each and every person who has ever served in the office f the President of the United States of America.It is a national holiday,. While Federal employees, the post office, and banks have the day off, most businesses and industry do not recognize it as a paid holiday.

In the 1700s, George Washington's birthday was celebrated while he was still alive, and many in the U.S. took part in the festivities. He was born in 1732 and died in 1799.

George Washington was president for two terms, from 1789 to 1793, and 1793 to 1797.

George Washington had important military roles prior to becoming president. Under his leadership, the American Continental Army defeated the British in 1783. Many believe he is the most important politician in American history.

In 1879, approximately one century later, President Rutherford B. Hayes signed the bill making February 22nd a federal holiday.

Abraham Lincoln's birthday falls closely to George Washington but his is not a federal holiday. Many states still celebrate his birthday along with George Washington's.

There are three universities and the capital of the United States, Washington DC named after George Washington, as is Washington State.

George Washington is featured on the quarter dollar coin and the one dollar bill.

Cherries are very popular when making desserts for celebrating George Washington's birthday. The reason for the popularity of cherries relates directly to a story about George Washington. When asked if he'd cut down a cherry tree, George Washington said he could not tell a lie.

It became common in the late 1980s for retailers to use Presidents' Day as a day to sell off old stock.

Since 1888, George Washington's Farewell Address has been read in the senate on February 22nd of most years.

Schools often organize lessons and other activities for their students in the days leading up to the holiday. Some occur weeks ahead as the holiday sometimes falls during the week that school is closed for mid-winter recess.

Some spell it President's Day and some spell it Presidents' Day. Presidents' Day refers to more than one president while President's Day refers to one President. The difference in spelling may be because some celebrate George Washington alone on this day and others celebrate George and Abraham Lincoln, while some may be celebrating all presidents.

Even though it is a federal holiday, each state is free to call it what they choose and how to celebrate.

Lincoln, William Harrison and Ronald Reagan. Most celebrate Presidents' Day in honorThere were four presidents born in February including George Washington, Abraham  of the first two.