Presidents’ Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February (20 February) in all its patriotic splendour. Many individuals enjoy their day off, but they may be surprised to learn that this was the point! In 1971, Presidents’ Day was rescheduled to create more three-day weekends for the general public, with the hope that this would encourage greater national productivity. At this point in the year, it was believed that the restorative effects of the winter holidays have begun to wear off and that people require another break to regain some of their lost strength.
The background of Presidents’ Day
After George Washington’s death in 1799, his birthday was unofficially commemorated as Washington Day, a day of remembrance. Throughout the 1800s, this day was used to honour the man who shaped America and his legacy. The removal and interment of George Washington’s body in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., was authorised by a resolution in 1832, and the erection of the Washington Monument in 1848 prompted nationwide celebrations.
Steven Wallace Dorsey did not propose that Washington’s birthday become a national federal holiday until the late 1870s. It was signed into law by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1879 and added to the four bank holidays that had previously been approved in 1870. Due to the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and the proximity of his birthday on February 12 to Washington Day, it was proposed that Washington Day become Presidents’ Day to honour both men, but Congress rejected this idea.
In the late 1960s, Washington’s Birthday officially became Presidents Day. In the Uniform Monday’s Act, Illinois Senator Robert McClory devised a plan to move key bank holidays to Mondays to increase the number of three-day weekends for workers. The expectation was that it would boost productivity and reduce employee absenteeism. Unsurprisingly, both the labour union and the private sector supported this notion.
Richard M. Nixon issued an executive order in 1971 mandating the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved Washington’s Birthday, Columbus Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day to Monday. With the date falling in the middle of Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays, it became known as Presidents’ Day, while retail stores were able to promote special sales events. Midway through the 1980s, Presidents’ Day became the standard name, which it retains to this day.
PRESIDENTS’ DAY ACTIVITIES
Take a trip through time
There are numerous historical sites and tours available for you and your family to learn about the history of the presidency. Learn about your local government and how presidents have affected your community if you do not live in Virginia and do not wish to travel. Local history museums contain documents and artefacts that are certain to be enlightening.
Knowledge of presidents
Take this opportunity to delve deeply into the history of seldom-discussed American presidents. Everyone is familiar with Jefferson, Lincoln, and Washington, but Martin Van Buren and John Tyler are less well-known. Although they may not be as well-known as the greats, their time in office contributes to the legacy as a whole and is significant in its own right.
Make it fun.
Why not create a quiz that can be played at home, since we sometimes take history for granted? Divide into teams and compose questions regarding presidents and the presidency. It has the dual benefits of educating everyone about American history and allowing you to surpass everyone with your historical expertise.
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Presidents’ Day: 5 FACTS
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both passed away on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
The average increase in weekly sales during the week of Presidents’ Day is 1.2%.
George Washington was the only president elected by all state representatives unanimously.
The “S” in Harry S. Truman has no actual significance.
A pair of bills attempted to return the official name of Presidents’ Day to Washington’s Birthday, but there was little support for the effort.
PRESIDENTS’ DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | February 15 | Monday |
| 2022 | February 21 | Monday |
| 2023 | February 20 | Monday |
| 2024 | February 19 | Monday |
| 2025 | February 17 | Monday |
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