The controversy surrounding President's Day

President’s Day is a federal holiday celebrated annually on the third Monday in February. It is a day to honor all American presidents, past and present.

Mount Rushmore.Photo byChristian Collins – Flickr Customized with PowerPoint design creation tool.

However, the origins of this holiday are somewhat complex and have evolved over the years. Let’s take a closer look at the history of President’s Day and how it has changed over time.

George Washington Athenaeum.Photo byAiva from Flickr

The origins of President's Day: How George Washington's Birthday became a Federal Holiday

President’s Day dates back to the early 19th century. George Washington, the first President of the United States, was born on February 22, 1732.

He personally owned 123 slaves and took lands from the Natives to build his personal wealth. So, before you celebrate the man, acknowledge his methods.

In 1800, a bill was introduced in Congress to make Washington’s birthday a federal holiday. However, it wasn’t until 1879 that the holiday was officially recognized in Washington, D.C. It soon became a popular holiday in many states across the country.

Many of you probably remember when it was called “Washington’s Birthday” and was celebrated on February 22. It was a day to honor the life and achievements of America’s first president.

The evolution of President's Day: From honoring one President to all American Presidents

However, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved the holiday date to the third Monday in February. This law was designed to create more three-day weekends for workers and to promote tourism.

With the change of the date, the holiday became known as “President’s Day” and was intended to honor all American presidents, not just George Washington.

The name “President’s Day” was popularized by retailers who saw it as an opportunity to promote sales and discounts. Over time, the name became more widely used, and many people now refer to the holiday as “President’s Day” rather than “Washington’s Birthday.”

It’s essential to note that the federal government still officially recognizes the holiday as “Washington’s Birthday.” However, many states have chosen to celebrate the holiday as “President’s Day” or honor specific presidents born in their state. For example, Illinois celebrates the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, both of whom were born in February.

The controversy surrounding President's Day: Reflections on the legacy of American Presidents.

While President’s Day has become a popular holiday, it has also been controversial. Some people argue it is a day to honor slave-owning presidents, many of whom were colonists, who were responsible for the oppression of marginalized groups. They argue that it is inappropriate to celebrate the accomplishments of these leaders without acknowledging their flaws and the harm they caused.

Others see President’s Day as an important opportunity to reflect on American presidents' legacy and remember the ideals they stood for. They believe the holiday is a chance to celebrate the principles of democracy, freedom, and equality that are at the heart of America’s founding.

In conclusion, the history of President’s Day is complicated and has evolved. While the holiday was originally intended to honor George Washington, it has since been expanded to celebrate all American presidents.

Whether you celebrate the holiday as “Washington’s Birthday” or “President’s Day,” it is an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of America’s leaders and to remember the principles the office stood for.

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About the author

Stephen Dalton is a native of Old Town, ME, and a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. He is a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Top Writer in Travel, Food, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, Short Story, and a NewsBreak Community Voice Pro.