History of President’s Day

Perhaps you remember a time when Presidents’ Day was not celebrated on the 3rd Monday of February each year. Washington’s birthday was February 22nd. The nation did not celebrate his birthday until his final year in office, 1796. It became the first Federal holiday in 1880.

Washington’s Birthday used to be celebrated with Birthnight Balls, speeches and receptions. Alexandria, Virginia holds an annual George Washington Birthday parade as part of its month-long tribute to the first president of the United States. Washington founded the Purple Heart and many people take this time to honor American’s veterans as well.

While Presidents’ Day was created to celebrate Washington and his contribution to the United States, other presidents have since been included in the holiday. Many states combined it with Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. In 1968, Congress drafted legislation that changed many Federal holidays to be held on Mondays to give government employees and officials three-day weekends. Starting in 1971, Washington’s birthday has been honored on the third Monday of February.

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12th, 1809. Lincoln’s birthday was first honored in 1865, the year after he was assassinated. Although Lincoln’s birthday was never established as a Federal holiday, many states recognize it as a separate holiday. However, many states have combined it with Washington’s Birthday, creating what is known as Presidents’ Day.

For years, businesses were closed in observance of Washington and Lincoln’s birthdays, however in the 1980′s, many businesses began having Presidents’ Day sales, taking advantage of all the people who had the day off from work and school. This year was the first year I noticed my bank will not be closed in observance of President’s Day, so things are definitely changing.

The observances of Washington’s birthday and Presidents’ Day vary quite a bit. Alexandria, Virginia holds a month-long celebration of Washington, including a parade, where Presidents’ Day is still called George Washington Day. In New York City, the city schools take a mid-winter break for the entire week following Presidents’ Day, instead of closing for both presidents’ separate birthdays. Some states, such as Massachusetts, honor not only Washington, but all the presidents who were from the state. Alabama celebrates a Washington and Jefferson Day. New Mexico celebrates President’s Day, but it is on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Presidents’ Day has changed a great deal over the years, but it is still a great time to stop and remember all those who’ve given much to serve the United States.