Presidents’ Day

Date: Every third Monday of February First celebrated: 1879 for government offices only. Converted to Federal Holiday: 1885 Honoring: Originally, it was just for Washington’s birthday, but Lincoln’s birthday has (mostly) been included in the celebration. Some states solely celebrate one. States Celebrating Washington Alone: MA and Virginia Other Oddities:  Alabama adds in Thomas Jefferson to their President’s day, while Arkansas adds Daisy Gatson Bates[1] into their celebration. Washington Fun Fact: Alexandria, VA, Washington’s adopted hometown, celebrates his birthday all month. Wise Words From Washington: “There is a Destiny which has the control of our actions, not to be resisted by the strongest efforts of Human Nature.” Wise Words From Lincoln: “He who makes an assertion without knowing whether it is true or false, is guilty of falsehood; and the accidental truth of the assertion, does not justify or excuse him.”  

[1] Daisy Lee Gatson Bates was an American civil rights activist, publisher, journalist, and lecturer who played a leading role in remedying the inequality within the Arkansas school system during the late 50’s