Presidents' Day: More Than Just a Mattress Sale 🎩🎂

Presidents’ Day, once known as Washington’s Birthday🎉, has shed its single-president focus and morphed into a more inclusive celebration. While originally tied to George Washington’s February 22nd birthdate, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971 conveniently shifted it to the third Monday of February, prioritizing long weekends over historical accuracy.

This holiday sees different states honoring varying presidents alongside Washington. While some stick to the Founding Father 🇺🇸, others include Lincoln or even create their own unique combinations.

In terms of the names, some states like Alabama celebrate it as “George Washington/ Thomas Jefferson Birthday,” while Arizona includes Abraham Lincoln in the mix, calling it “Lincoln/ Washington/ Presidents’ Day.” In Arkansas, it’s “George Washington’s Birthday and Daisy Gatson Bates Day,” reflecting a more localized celebration.

In addition to that, some states, like Massachusetts, have specific celebrations for presidents from their state on different days, such as May 29 for John F. Kennedy, John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and Calvin Coolidge. Others, like Indiana and Georgia, observe Washington’s Birthday on days that coincide with other holidays, like Christmas Eve or the day after Thanksgiving.

And who can forget the infamous apostrophe (“President’s Day” vs “Presidents’ Day”)? It’s true, its placement seems to fluctuate like a politician’s stance on an issue. But amidst the confusion, one thing remains constant: the opportunity to reflect on the legacies of our presidents.

Abraham Lincoln, immortalized on the rarely-seen five-dollar bill 💵, stands tall as a symbol of unity, freedom, and the fight against slavery. His contributions, along with those of other presidents, deserve more than just a day focused on sales and late mornings.

So, while Presidents’ Day might come with tempting discounts and extra sleep, let’s not forget its true purpose: honoring the leaders who shaped our nation. We can still enjoy the day off, but perhaps use it to delve into history, spark meaningful conversations, and appreciate the lasting impact of those who served in the highest office.