Includes: Plush jumpsuit with attached hands and shoe covers. Available in Toddler (Size 2-4)Nowadays the third Monday in February is usually known as Presidents' Day, a holiday honoring two great American presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Today's modern holiday has some pretty humble roots and plenty of interesting American tidbits.
George Washington was actually born on 11 February 1731. How could that be? Everyone knows his birthday is 22 February. When Washington was born, the colonies were using the Julian calendar, which was eleven days behind the Gregorian calendar. In 1752, Britain and the colonies switched to the Gregorian calendar, moving Washington's Birthday to 22 February.
George Washington distinguished himself as an American patriot in the Revoluntary war. He even created the Purple Heart, a medal recognizing soldiers who had been injuried in battle. His leadership, courage, and valor earned him the nickname, "The Founder of his Country." Washington was the Electoral College's only choice to be the first president of the United States.
During Washington's last year as president, his birthday became the holiday known as "Washington's Birthday," but it wasn't until 1885 when President Chester A. Arthur finally signed legislation making it a federal holiday.
Abraham Lincoln was born on 12 February 1809 and distinguished himself as the president who preserved the United States during the Civil War. Many states honor Lincoln by celebrating his birthday as a state holiday. Connecticut still celebrates Lincoln's birthday as a state holiday regardless of what day it falls on. Lincoln, however, has never had his birthday celebrated on the federal level.
In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, designating Washington's federal holiday to be celebrated on the third Monday in February. The intent of the bill was to move the holiday to Monday to promote business, but it wasn't until the late 1980's when businesses began using the "Presidents' Day" tag to lure consumers into the stores. Since then, the informal label has stuck and the official "Washington's Birthday," has been known to the general public as Presidents' Day.
Several states have taken liberties with the holiday. For example, Massachusetts not only celebrates Washington's birthday, but also issues a proclamation honoring past presidents from the state including John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Calvin Coolidge, and John F. Kennedy. Alabama celebrates "Washington and Jefferson Day." (Thomas Jefferson) Arkansas celebrates "George Washington's Birthday and Daisy Gatson Day."
The senate has its own traditions as well. Since 1862, George Washington's farewell address is read on or around his birthday.
While the holiday has been expanded in recent years to include other presidents, the intent to honor Washington, and after the Civil War, Lincoln, still resounds through American society.
StephB is an author who can be found at http://sgcardin.tripod.com In her spare time she likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.Com which is a site for Creative Writing,
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