Presidents Day Facts For Kids

Summary

Presidents' Day is a complicated holiday with various disagreements surrounding its name, date, and whom to celebrate. Originally a celebration of George Washington's birthday on February 22nd, it shifted to the third Monday of February in 1968. People debate whether the holiday should honor just Washington, both Washington and Lincoln, or all U.S. presidents. States vary in how they observe the day and its spelling. Despite these differences, the holiday is widely marked by sales, school closures, and post office closures. Every state celebrates Washington, and some even honor Lincoln and other presidents.

Takeaways

• 😀 President's Day is a complicated holiday with disagreements over what it's called, what it celebrates, and even how to spell it.
• 😀 The holiday became a national holiday in 1879 under President Rutherford B. Hayes, with a focus on George Washington's birthday (February 22nd).
• 😀 In 1968, there was an attempt to change the date of President's Day to the third Monday of February, which eventually passed in 1971.
• 😀 There is disagreement about who to celebrate on President's Day—some people think it should focus only on George Washington, others think it should include Abraham Lincoln or all presidents.
• 😀 Different states have different opinions on how to celebrate the holiday, with some states choosing to honor George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, or all presidents.
• 😀 The spelling of the holiday's name also varies—some people use 'Washington's Birthday', 'Washington and Lincoln's Birthday', or 'President's Day' with various apostrophe placements.
• 😀 Most people can agree on the widespread sales that take place on President's Day, including big discounts on appliances, mattresses, and furniture.
• 😀 Schools and post offices are closed on President's Day, as it is a federal holiday.
• 😀 Every state celebrates George Washington, although some states also celebrate Abraham Lincoln and other presidents.
• 😀 The cherry tree legend about George Washington is a myth, but it's still a part of the holiday tradition, with people enjoying cherries in his honor.

Q & A

What is the significance of Presidents' Day in the United States?

Presidents' Day is a holiday in the United States that honors the country's presidents, particularly George Washington, but it is also often used to recognize other notable presidents like Abraham Lincoln. It was established as a federal holiday in 1879 and became widely recognized in 1968.

Why is Presidents' Day considered a complicated holiday?

Presidents' Day is complicated because there are disagreements over what to call it, how to spell it, and who should be celebrated. Some people believe it should honor only George Washington, while others think it should include Abraham Lincoln or all U.S. presidents.

What was the original name of Presidents' Day?

Originally, Presidents' Day was known as Washington's Birthday, as it celebrated the birthday of George Washington, which falls on February 22nd.

When did Presidents' Day become a federal holiday?

Presidents' Day became a federal holiday in 1879 during the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes.

How did the holiday change in 1968?

In 1968, Presidents' Day was moved to the third Monday of February instead of always being on February 22nd. This change was part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.

What are some of the key disagreements surrounding Presidents' Day?

There are disagreements over whether Presidents' Day should celebrate only George Washington, both Washington and Lincoln, or all U.S. presidents. Additionally, there is debate over the holiday's name and how it should be spelled.

How do different states celebrate Presidents' Day?

Different states have varying traditions, with some states celebrating only George Washington, others recognizing both Washington and Lincoln, and some honoring all U.S. presidents. The government allows each state to decide which presidents they will celebrate.

What sales and events are common on Presidents' Day?

Presidents' Day is known for significant sales, particularly on appliances, mattresses, furniture, and other goods. It is one of the biggest retail sales events of the year.

Why is George Washington's image so strongly associated with Presidents' Day?

George Washington's birthday, February 22nd, was the original focus of the holiday, and his legacy as the first president of the United States has led to him being celebrated on this day, even though some states also honor other presidents.

What is the legend about George Washington and the cherry tree?

There is a popular legend that George Washington chopped down a cherry tree and admitted to it, saying, 'I cannot tell a lie.' However, this story is a myth, created to symbolize Washington's honesty. Despite being fictional, it is often referenced during Presidents' Day celebrations.