Americans observe Presidents’ Day on the 3rd Monday of February each year. Many Americans honor this holiday with patriotic celebrations or remembrance ceremonies.
Holiday History
After President George Washington’s passing in 1799, Americans began celebrating his birthday. In 1879, Congress declared George Washington’s Birthday a federal holiday to be observed on his birth date, February 22. Later in 1968, Congress passed the Monday Holiday Law in an attempt to create more 3-day weekends to benefit the spiritual and economic life of the Nation. George Washington’s Birthday is one of 11 permanent holidays established by Congress.
On this holiday in 1932, America saw the reinstatement of the Purple Heart medal, a military decoration originally created by President Washington to honor soldiers killed or wounded while serving in the armed forces.
Present day Presidents’ Day is a day to reflect on the triumphs and admirable traits of United States presidents, past and present. For more information on U.S. presidents, access individual summaries and details provided by The White House.
Presidents’ Day Traditions
Many Americans have heard the story of George Washington chopping down an infamous cherry tree using his hatchet and truthfully admitting so to his father. The intention of this story was to attempt to prove President Washington’s honesty. Despite the fictitious nature of the story, many Americans still choose to celebrate Presidents’ Day with treats made with cherries.
Typical celebrations and ceremonies for Presidents’ Day use red, white, and blue decorations. Colonial reenactments are also popular on, or close to, Presidents’ Day. Also, U.S. retailers and businesses often host sales or have promotional deals available during the Presidents’ Day long weekend.
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Sources: Almanac.com and History.com
Image Source: Adobe Stock
