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President’s Day: What Makes This Annual Holiday Special?
President’s Day is observed on the third Monday of February each year. It is a federal holiday that honors the Presidents of the United States. The day particularly celebrates George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The day has evolved into a celebration of all American Presidents. Its origins and transition into a more generalized holiday show the complexities of American history and culture. This blog post examines the origins of President’s Day. It discusses its evolution over the years. The post also explores the various ways people celebrate it across the nation. The Origins of President’s Day We can trace the roots of President’s Day back to the celebration of George Washington’s birthday. Washington was the first President of the United States. He is a revered figure in American history. Washington was born on February 22, 1732. For many years, people celebrated Washington’s birthday as a national holiday. In 1885, President Chester A. Arthur signed a bill into law. It made Washington’s Birthday a federal holiday. The celebration was designated to be on February 22. At this time, the holiday was strictly a day to honor Washington. Over time, the need for a more inclusive celebration of all presidents became clear.