Presidents' Day

Presidents' Day is held annually on the third Monday in February, to honor and recognize the contributions of all presidents of the United States, past and present. Usually President's Day is commemorated on February 22, based on President George Washington's Birthday, because the president's date was originally established in recognition of President George Washington. Presidential Days have become popular since the Uniform Mondays Act of 1971 recognized President's Day as part of it. The Uniform Mondays Act is an effort to get workers across the country more than three days a weekend.

George Washington led the American military during the American War of Independence and was the first president of the United States of America. He is the most important figures in American history. George Washington’s Birthday on February 22, 1732. He was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. In 1832, the 100th anniversary of his birth was solemnly held, in 1847, construction of the Washington Monument was started to be the cause to celebrate the national Presidential celebration.

On the third Monday of February, Americans honor the leaders of their country's history with Presidents Day. The holiday was originally a day to honor the first President George Washington, but today it honors all presidents of the United States. As a leader in the American Revolutionary War and the country's first executive leader, George Washington was immensely popular. He is often referred to as the Father of the United States. Partly because he was a military leader credited with the victory of the American colonies over the most powerful army of the time. And then he went on to shape the future of the presidency; set many precedents for his successors to follow.

Washington believes that there must be a balance between the president having enough power to effectively lead the government, but not being so powerful that it mimics the power of the monarchy. Fearing that if he died while in office, the public might decide that the presidency was for life, Washington resigned after two terms. With the exception of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's four terms, every president followed Washington's example by serving no more than two terms. In 1951, the United States Congress approved the 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution, limiting a president to no more than two terms.

President Washington exerts considerable influence on the path forward of presidents. He sets standards in all aspects, including political power, military operations, and economic policy.

It is no surprise that beginning in 1800, the year after his death, George Washington's birthday, February 22, was unofficially celebrated across the fledgling country he helped found. Washington's Birthday celebration officially became a national holiday in 1885. Americans then began to honor another great leader, Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln's birthday is February 12, close to Washington's Birthday. Finally, the third Monday in February has become a federal holiday honoring all presidents.

Presidents Day honors leaders with courage and determination to take on this most difficult task and lead the United States of America through all the good times and the bad.

George Washington once wrote in a letter to a friend: "All that saw and admired most was the bright light around the outer traps of the overhead office. To me, there was nothing in it, beyond its luster may be reflected in its association with the power to promote human loyalty."

How to celebrate National President's Day

Pay your respects to the presidents of the United States on Presidents Day. Visit the memorial to President Washington and other presidents. Learn more about what the presidents of the United States have accomplished for the people.