Presidents' Day: Honoring the Commanders-in-Chief
For many, the third Monday in February signifies one thing: a three-day weekend and major retail sales. However, Presidents' Day carries a weight of history, originally designed to honor the founding father of the United States.
What is Presidents' Day?
Officially, the US federal government still designates this holiday as "Washington's Birthday." It was established in 1885 to honor George Washington.
Over time, particularly after the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971 moved the celebration to a Monday to create a long weekend, the holiday evolved in the public consciousness. It is now colloquially known as Presidents' Day, viewed as a time to honor all US presidents, with a specific focus on George Washington (the first president) and Abraham Lincoln (the 16th president), whose birthdays are both in February.
When is it?
It is observed on the third Monday of February.
Fun Fact: Because it falls on the third Monday, the holiday can never land on Washington's actual birthday (February 22).
How is it Typically Celebrated?
The observance of Presidents' Day is a mix of civic remembrance and commercial opportunity:
1. Patriotic Ceremonies Historical groups and community leaders often host wreath-laying ceremonies at presidential monuments, particularly at Mount Vernon (Washington’s home) and the Lincoln Memorial. Schools (in the days leading up to it) focus on lessons regarding the presidency, the Constitution, and American history.
2. The "Cherry Pie" Tradition A longstanding food tradition for this holiday is eating cherry pie. This stems from the famous (though likely invented) legend of young George Washington chopping down his father's cherry tree and proclaiming, "I cannot tell a lie."
3. Retail Sales Culturally, Presidents' Day has become one of the largest retail events of the year, famous for deep discounts on winter apparel, cars, and specifically mattresses.
4. Historical Travel Many families take advantage of the long weekend to visit National Parks, presidential libraries, or Washington, D.C., blending a winter vacation with a bit of educational tourism.
Whether you are brushing up on your American history or just enjoying the day off, Presidents' Day serves as a yearly nod to the leaders who have shaped the nation.
