Presidents Day
| Presidents Day | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | United States |
| Type | Federal holiday |
| Date | Third Monday in February |
| Scheduling | Varies (third Monday) |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Celebrates | The lives and legacies of U.S. Presidents |
Presidents Day, officially known as Washington’s Birthday, is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the third Monday of February each year. It honors George Washington, the nation’s first president, and is commonly used to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present.
Origins
Originally established in 1885 to commemorate George Washington’s birthday (February 22), the holiday became popularly known as Presidents Day after the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971 moved it to create a long weekend.
Though still officially called Washington’s Birthday in federal law, most Americans recognize it as a day to honor:
- George Washington
- Abraham Lincoln (born February 12)
- All presidents collectively
Traditions and Observances
- Government offices, banks, and schools often close
- Many retailers run Presidents Day sales
- Historical reenactments and educational events take place
- Students may learn about the U.S. presidency, Constitution, and civic duties
Symbolism
Presidents Day celebrates:
- The founding of American democracy
- The leadership of key historical figures
- National unity and reflection on public service
Notable Locations
- Mount Vernon, Washington’s estate in Virginia
- Lincoln Memorial – Washington, D.C.
- Mount Rushmore – South Dakota
Fun Facts
- George Washington was born in 1732, and Abraham Lincoln in 1809
- Washington is the only U.S. president to receive 100% of the Electoral College vote
- Some states still celebrate Lincoln’s Birthday and Washington’s Birthday separately