Well here we are nearing the end of February and still eagerly celebrating all these wonderful February holidays. Tomorrow is another one. If you read the papers or look on calendars, it’s President’s Day, or depending where you are, it may be Presidents’ Day.
I know — this isn’t something to get all worked up about, but this is really a confusing “holiday.” Both faithful readers have heard all this before, but I can’t let this un-justice go without at least mentioning it annually. Long ago we celebrated George Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays during the month of February. Fine — they were both great Presidents and their birthdays deserved recognition.
Then, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill. That legislation changed the observance of Washington’s Birthday from February 22 to the third Monday in February. The Bill originally was intended to rename the holiday “President’s Day” but that proposal failed in committees. The legislation passed, making the third Monday of February a federal holiday, but according to the legislation, it’s Washington’s Birthday.
So — here we are….
Today is still officially called Washington’s Birthday by the federal government.
Some spell it President’s Day. (refers to one President)
Some Spell it Presidents’ Day. (refers to more than one President)
The difference in spelling denotes that some celebrate George Washington alone on this day and others celebrate George and Abraham Lincoln… and, some may be celebrating all presidents.
Even though it’s a federal holiday, each state is free to call it what they choose and how they celebrate.
To be fair, there were four presidents born in February — George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, William Harrison and Ronald Reagan. The only names you hear mentioned are Washington and Lincoln. What about Harrison and Lincoln?
Oh well, happy third Monday of February — no matter what you call it, or how you celebrate.
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