Meaning of Presidents’ Day
Many of you probably know that this weekend is a three-day weekend. However, do we even know why it’s a long weekend? Monday, February 20th is Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday celebrated in the United States. It’s a day to celebrate the hard work of past, present and future presidents. Find out more about the history, meaning, fun facts, and things to do this Presidents’ Day below!
History
Originally established in 1885, President’s Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. It was established in recognition of President George Washington and was called “Washington’s Birthday.” Although Washington’s actual birthday is February 22, the holiday was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, as an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. It was not until the late 1870’s that President’s Day became a federal holiday.
President’s Day vs Presidents’ Day
President’s Day refers to one President, while Presidents’ Day refers to more than one president. Some people only celebrate George Washington and others celebrate George Washington and Abraham Lincoln or even all the presidents. However you choose to spell it, remember to celebrate Presidents’ Day this coming Monday!
Fun Facts
- President’s Day never falls on the actual birthday of any American president.
- George Washington, William Henry Harrison, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan were all born in February, but their birthdays all come too early or too late to coincide with President’s Day.
- President’s Day is a day for commemorating all U.S. Presidents
- Many national parks stage reenactments and pageants in honor or Washington and Lincoln.
National Parks Fee Free
Enjoy your day off work or school by heading to a nearby national park. National parks have entrance fee free days throughout each year, and Presidents’ Day happens to be one of those days. Instead of staying inside on your day off, spend the day exploring outside! Enjoy spending the weekend relaxing in out in nature.
Presidents’ Day Celebrations
All around the United States, the are many different activities and things to do to celebrate Presidents’ Day. If you happen to be in Philadelphia, you may want to check out places like the National Constitution Center, City Tavern, or even attend Washington’s Birthday party at Valley Forge. Enjoy a historic dining experience at the City Tavern or a cupcake-filled celebration of George Washington’s 285th birthday at Valley Forge’s Visitor Center. If you’re lucky, you may even get some samples of Martha Washington’s “Great Cake”! There are so many different places to visit and things to do this coming Presidents’ Day weekend.
