Today marks Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday in the United States celebrated annually on the third Monday of February. Officially known as Washington’s Birthday at the federal level, the holiday recognizes the contributions of all U.S. presidents, with particular attention to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Originally established in 1879 to honor Washington, the nation’s first president, the holiday commemorates his leadership of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, his role as president of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and his two terms as the first U.S. president from 1789 to 1797. Washington was born on February 22, 1732 (N.S.), and his birthday was observed on that date until 1970.
In 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the observance to the third Monday in February to provide federal employees with a three-day weekend. This change, effective in 1971, allowed the holiday to fall between February 15 and 21, and it gradually became popularly known as Presidents’ Day.
Many states have adopted their own variations of the holiday. Some celebrate Washington alone, others recognize Washington and Lincoln, while a few honor other presidents such as Thomas Jefferson, whose birthday falls in April. Over time, cities and states that had previously celebrated Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 combined it with Washington’s, further cementing the modern observance of Presidents’ Day.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, is remembered for guiding the country through the Civil War, preserving the Union, abolishing slavery, strengthening the federal government, and modernizing the economy. Together, the observance provides Americans with a chance to reflect on the legacy of the nation’s leaders and their enduring impact.
Whether celebrated as Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day, or a broader tribute to all U.S. presidents, the holiday remains a moment to honor the history and leadership that have shaped the United States.
