Washington DC, 21 February 2023 (TDI): The United States (US) celebrated President’s Day on Monday, 20 February. President’s Day is a federal holiday in the US and is celebrated every year on the 3rd Monday of February.
President’s Day was established on 22 February 1879 to honor the first President of the United States (US), George Washington.
History
After the death of George Washington in 1799, 22 February his birthday become an annual day of remembrance. However, it was not a federal holiday until 1879.
In 1971, under the Monday Holiday Act, President’s Day and several other federal holidays were shifted to the 3rd Monday of February to reduce workers’ absenteeism.
While reforming the act of holiday President Lyndon Johnson said in a statement upon signing, “It will enable families who live some distance apart to spend more time together.”
In some states, the holiday has even been changed by the addition of new figures. For instance, Arkansas honors both Washington and civil rights pioneer, Daisy Gatson Bates.
In contrast, Alabama honors George Washington and Thomas Jefferson on Presidents Day. However, Washington and Lincoln remain the two most recognized leaders.
But President Day is observed to recognize the lives and memories of all American Chief Executive. The act came into effect in 1971, and the 3rd Monday of February started to be observed in the name of President Day.
Notably, President Day will never come on the actual birthday of George Washington as George was born on 22 February.
President Day Celebration
President’s Day celebrates the day with historical reenactment, public talks, and other events held during the day. Besides this, in several states, the schools teach the accomplishments of the Chief Executive during the independence days.
Also Read: Equatorial Guinea Celebrates President’s Day
Washington’s federal farewell address has been also read aloud by the member of the senate by the end of the month of February.
It is also to be noted that this year Senator James Lankford, a Republican from Oklahoma, will read the address on February 27.
, George Washington...Read more){kind=link}