HAPPY PRESIDENTS DAY!
For some, this means no school today, for others, it means great shopping deals! However, what does this holiday really mean?
President's Day was first established as a federal holiday in 1885 to celebrate the birthday of our nation's First President, George Washington. It was the first federal holiday to honor an American citizen! In 1971, Congress officially changed the holiday to officially fall on the third Monday of February.
In addition to Washington's Birthday, many have also taken President's Day to be a celebration of President Lincoln's birthday, which happens to fall on February 12th. In fact, holidays for both were proposed in congress, however members felt having too holidays in close proximity would be too burdensome on employers.
Interesting President's Day Tid-Bits
-In President Washington's home state of Virginia, the holiday is officially recognized as "George Washington Day"
-In New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, and Missouri, President's Day is still a federal holiday, however Lincoln's birthday is also a state holiday
-Every Presidents Day in Massachusetts, the Governor issues a proclamation honoring President's with Massachusetts roots, including: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Cavin Koolidge, and John F. Kennedy.
Enjoy your Presidents Day, and take time to reflect on the leaders who have led our country for the past 233 years!
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