The third Monday in February has been designated Presidents Day. Many people find this confusing as both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were born in February. So whose birthday is it?
Well technically, neither president was born on February 15, which is the day Presidents Day fall on for 2009. George Washington, the first president of the United States of America was born on February 22, 1792. Abe Lincoln was born on February 12; 1809.Washington’s birthday was not celebrated nationally until 1832 even though it was recognized in 1796, when he was in his last full year as president. Lincoln’s birthday was recognized in 1865 shortly after he was assassinated, but only on a state level, and not in every state.
In 1968 Congress passed legislation that placed any federal holiday on a Monday. In 1971 President Richard Nixon combined Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays into the Federal holiday called President’s Day. It would be celebrated on the third Monday in February regardless of the date, and would not only honor the two great presidents that had birthdays in February, but also pay tribute to all who had served as president of this great country.
The Green Free Library has a large collection of books on the history of the United States and its presidents, both past and present. Stop in today and check the card catalog, or ask a staff member for assistance.
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