The History of Presidents’ Day

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The History of Presidents’ Day

By Flora Gamba '23

This past weekend was Presidents' Day weekend. Many used the four-day weekend to relax, catch up on homework, get out of town, or hang out with friends and family. Although we might have taken this weekend as a nice break from school, it actually holds a deeper meaning. 

George Washington, Google Images

Presidents' Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February. This year, it occurred on Monday, February 21, 2022. Presidents' Day was initially established in 1885 to recognize and celebrate the birthday of America’s first president, George Washington, on February 22. Similar to the construction of the Washington Monument in 1848, Washington’s birthday was a major holiday and celebration nationwide. However, it wasn’t until the late 1870s that it became an official federal holiday. 

Abraham Lincoln, Google Images

Presidents' Day occurred on February 22 every year, regardless of the day of the week, until 1971. The Uniform Holiday Act of 1971 was passed in an attempt to create more three-day weekends for Americans. Washington’s birthday celebration was moved to the third Monday in February and his celebration was joined by the celebration of Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States, birthday, which falls on February 12. Presidents Henry Harrison and Ronald Reagan were also born in February and are often celebrated on Presidents' Day as well. 

 

Washington’s birthday, and later Presidents' Day, was the first holiday to celebrate an individual American. The second was Martin Luther King Jr, who is celebrated in January. 

Martin Luther King Jr, Google Images

Presidents' Day may be known for its sales, break from schools, and long weekend. However, its history dates back to the beginning of the United States, our first president, and the celebration of his life. When Presidents' Day rolls around next year, don’t forget to remember all the history that led to the founding of the holiday.

Credits

Written By: Flora Gamba and Samantha Lynch

Edited By: Maria Shelley 

Cover Photo by Google Images

All Images by Google Images

References

History.com Editors. “Presidents' Day 2022.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 26 Oct. 2010, https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/presidents-day.

“Presidents' Day.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/topic/Presidents-Day. 

 

Mercy Media Edition 6

February 25, 2022

mercymedia@mercyhsb.com

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