(February 23 2015)
"First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen" –Henry Lee
Henry Lee gave this eulogy after George Washington passed away in 1799; the District of Columbia had continued to unofficially celebrate Washington’s birthday ever since in order to commemorate one of the greatest leaders in United States history. Around 1885, the United States as a whole recognized Washington’s Birthday as a day of remembrance. Later in 1971, this day was turned into a Uniform Monday Holiday Act giving Americans a reason for a three-day-weekend along with Columbus Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day.
George Washington was not only the first president of the United States he was also the first individual turned into a national holiday allowing the nation to take part of a three-day weekend (Martin Luther Kind Jr. was the second).
Washington and Lincoln are both perceived as part of America’s most recognized leaders and therefore their day of remembrance is called by the actual president’s name to celebrate. In some states, like Illinois, Lincoln’s birthday was also celebrated giving equal support to two American presidents. Today we all celebrate Presidents’ Day in order to honor all the presidents that have served the United States.
Presidents’ Day is a very patriotic and historical holiday in the United States.
Fun Fact: The holiday never actually falls onto any American presidents’ birthdays.
