It’s Presidents’ Day Today
February 18, 2013 10:10 AM Today is a holiday for some, being the observance of Presidents’ Day. Government offices are closed, schools are closed, no regular mail delivery, and most financial institutions are closed. And for some school districts, it’s Presidents Week or Mid Winter Break, with the whole week off. Just how did Presidents’ Day come about?
According to lifescript.com:
“President’s Day began in 1796, the last full year of George Washington’s presidency, to commemorate his birthday. President’s Day history suggests that, from the start, there was confusion about which day in February should be designated . According to the Julian calendar that was in use at the time of Washington’s birth, his birthday was February 11th. The Gregorian calendar was put into effect in 1752, adding 11 days to the year to bring it into line with the astronomical year, which places his birthday on February 22nd. During the early years, people celebrated President’s Day on both days in February.
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12th, and his birthday was originally celebrated in 1865, the first year after he was assassinated. On that year, both houses of congress met for a memorial address. Lincoln’s birthday did not become a federal holiday like Washington’s birthday, but many individual states passed laws declaring February 12th a local holiday.”
Now, we celebrate the lives of all presidents on Presidents’ Day.
Presidents' Week Mid-Winter Break Recreation Ideas
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