Washington’s Birthday is a national holiday celebrated in the United States on the third Monday of February every year. America has had forty-five serving presidents in its time (Donald J. Trump is the 45th). George Washington was the first President of the United States and the observation of this holiday commemorates a great leader who helped found the U.S.
Washington’s life, more or less, reflects the life of an underdog who became a leader. In 1752, he led the Virginia Militia although he had no previous experience in leading a war. As he engaged in more battles, he became the only member of Congress with the expertise to lead an army. Washington made significant contributions to the American Revolution. He led the Continental Army, America’s Army, to victory in the Revolutionary War. This victory against Europe set the country on the path towards a unified nation. Washington was leading an army that was poorly trained and ill-equipped and had lost many battles against Britain. Somehow, George Washington managed to motivate them, and they were able to hold their own against the British. In October 1781, with the support of the French, the Continental Army was able to capture British troops under the leadership of General Charles Cornwallis (1738-1805) in Yorktown, Virginia. This success led to the end of the Revolutionary War, and Washington was hailed as a National Hero.
George Washington was officially inaugurated as President on 30th of April, 1789. However, April 30th is not the date we celebrate. Why Washington’s Birthday? Americans used to celebrate Washington’s Birthday long before Congress came together to discuss whether or not the holiday should exist. As the first President, the people loved him and identified with his vision of liberty, democracy, and equality. Washington’s Birthday did not become a federal holiday until January 31st, 1879. Later on, the changing of Laws over time by Congress resulted in the celebrations falling on the third Monday of February. George Washington, himself, never celebrated his birthday. Instead, he would spend the day responding to letters or attending to matters at Mount Vernon. The public celebrations, however, started while he was alive and continued after his death.
The idea of celebrating the birthday of one man did not go well with other political figures. Jefferson saw it as a “celebration of royalty.” According to Jefferson the continual celebration of Washington’s Birthday by the public made the 1st President appear more or less like George the 3rd, an imperial leader of a monarchy. However, America was founded on democracy. Although there is no President or a declaration from Congress declaring the day Presidents’ Day, there are those who mark the day as a celebration of two great presidents, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday became the second significant birthday celebrated as a national holiday. This holiday was celebrated on February 12th in Illinois among other States. However, rather than commemorating two of the greatest presidents in history separately, Congress made the decision to have one holiday known as ‘Presidents’ Day’ to honour both presidents. States are not mandated to adopt Presidents’ Day as a federal holiday. Can you imagine celebrating the birthday of each of the 44 or 45 presidents of the United States? Some states celebrate Washington’s Birthday and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday separately. The holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February is technically Washington’s Birthday although his real birth date was on February 22nd. According to the Julian calendar, he was born on February 11th. The adoption of the Gregorian calendar moved the president’s birthday to February 22nd. To end this confusion and to avoid the need to celebrate each of the President’s birthdays, Presidents’ Day became the preferable term of the holiday commemorating all the great presidents who have served the country.
The celebration of Washington’s Birthday is as old as the country. In 1885, President Chester recognized this celebration and declared it a federal holiday. When the Monday’s Holiday Act was passed in 1968, the holiday was changed from February 22nd to the third Monday of February. This ensured consistency, especially during leap years. Also, the intent for this change was to provide workers with a three-day weekend. On the downside though, this shift to the third Monday in February may have contributed to the gradual loss in the value and meaning behind celebrating the Founding Father’s birthday.
Some reformers wanted Congress to officially rename the holiday as Presidents’ Day to remove the association of the holiday with one President. However, Congress rejected that proposal. Representative Robert McLory, from the “Land of Lincoln,” attempted to change the name of Washington’s Day to Presidents’ Day in 1968, but legislators from Virginia (Washington’s home) were reluctant to support the move, and as a consequence, the proposal was dropped.
Although Congress never made it legal that the holiday is a commemoration of both presidents, this belief took root in society. A significant number of people see it as a celebration of both presidents. Truth be told, according to federal laws, it is Washington’s Day.
Washington’s Birthday is only celebrated in the United States of America on the third Monday of February. Depending on the state you live in, Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day or Lincoln’s Birthday would be observed. For instance:
Some presidents commemorated this day by visiting Washington’s tomb. One example is the visit by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1943. During the Civil War, the Senate commemorated Washington’s Birthday by reading his farewell address which received support from President Andrew Johnson.
By 1896, reading of Washington’s farewell address in the Senate became an annual tradition that continues to this day. The holiday is also celebrated by parades, community celebrations, and shopping for great discounts in stores. Each year, Mount Vermont opens its doors to the public on Washington’s Birthday in commemoration of the great leader.
To many Americans, Presidents’ Day is a bright day for the country’s national colors, red, blue, and white stripes. George Washington fought for liberty, justice, and the Independence of the U.S. – values symbolized by the American flag. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see the flag hoisted in most households and government buildings on this day.
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