What is President’s Day, and why is it celebrated? It is often associated with famous United States presidents like George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, but the holiday celebrates all presidents. The holiday’s origins, meaning, and traditions support the hard work and lives of everyday American citizens.
Why is President’s Day a holiday, and how is it celebrated? Continue reading to learn more.
Origins
Initially, the holiday was meant to honor George Washington’s birthday, but it eventually shifted to honor all presidents. National Today, a website dedicated to recording holidays, states, “Washington’s birthday was proposed as a national federal holiday in the late 1870s.” They also report that the holiday officially became President’s Day nearly a century later to provide additional three-day weekends. The idea was to promote productivity, but the holiday can also be a patriotic day.
Holiday Meaning
President’s Day has been around for over two centuries, so its meaning has changed and evolved. Britannica, the world’s oldest continuously published encyclopedia, affirms that the holiday celebrates both presidents’ birthdays, public ceremonies, and retail sales. The U.S. Embassy expresses that the holiday is also “another opportunity to honor U.S. veterans.” The holiday can encourage learning about U.S. presidential history, honoring patriotic traditions, and celebrating the efforts of regular citizens. However, the holiday may not be a tradition or celebrated in all states.
Which States Celebrate?
Several states differ on which presidents are celebrated and what traditions are followed. The New York Times, a daily news site, reports that “states can enact their own holidays for state employees and students.” They add that “not all follow the federal calendar, and each state may honor different presidents.” The celebration of the holiday can depend on a state’s presidential history and preference of past presidents. Nevertheless, the holiday stands to appreciate not only past presidents but their legacy and impact on the United States.
To Conclude
President’s Day has a long history and several different meanings, but it continues to celebrate American presidents, history, and citizens. In addition, it can hold different meanings and celebrations based on the states, but it can show the best of each state, too. Ultimately, President’s Day has evolved to honor the history and people of the United States.
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