Presidents Day
The third Monday in February is Presidents Day in the USA. An unofficial name for what began as George Washington’s Birthday celebrations. Americans hold Washington in very high regard as a soldier and statesman. Our first president was born on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia, February 11, 1731 on the old style Julian Calendar.
Abraham Lincoln another revered president was born on the 12th February 1809 in Harding County, Kentucky. The first formal observance of our 16th President’s birthday took place in 1865, the year after his assassination, (while watching the play Our American Cousins at the Ford Theatre) when both the Senate and Congress gathered for a memorial
service.
In 1968 several federal holidays were affected when legislation was enacted that shifted Washington and Lincoln’s birthday celebrations to the third Monday in February. The change which took effect in 1971was designed to give federal employees three-day weekends and simplify the yearly calendar of holidays.
Although a federal holiday, many states celebrate the day differently; some recognizing only Washington, some all the presidents. What remain consistent are the advertising campaigns for President’s Day Sales!
Abraham Lincoln another revered president was born on the 12th February 1809 in Harding County, Kentucky. The first formal observance of our 16th President’s birthday took place in 1865, the year after his assassination, (while watching the play Our American Cousins at the Ford Theatre) when both the Senate and Congress gathered for a memorial
service.In 1968 several federal holidays were affected when legislation was enacted that shifted Washington and Lincoln’s birthday celebrations to the third Monday in February. The change which took effect in 1971was designed to give federal employees three-day weekends and simplify the yearly calendar of holidays.
Although a federal holiday, many states celebrate the day differently; some recognizing only Washington, some all the presidents. What remain consistent are the advertising campaigns for President’s Day Sales!
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