Presidents’ Day, observed each year on the third Monday in February, is a federal holiday honoring the legacy of America’s presidents, with a special historical focus on George Washington, the nation’s first leader.
The holiday traces its roots to the celebration of Washington’s Birthday. George Washington became the first President of the United States in 1789, helping guide the country through its earliest years after the Revolutionary War. His presidency set many of the precedents and traditions that future presidents would follow.
The first official federal recognition of the holiday came in 1885, when Washington’s Birthday was established as a day to honor the first president. Originally, it was observed on Feb. 22, Washington’s actual birthday.
That changed with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which took effect in 1971. The law shifted several federal holidays to Mondays in order to create more three-day weekends for workers. Under that act, Washington’s Birthday was moved permanently to the third Monday in February, where it remains today.
Over time, the meaning of the day broadened. Because Abraham Lincoln’s birthday also falls in February, many Americans began using the occasion to recognize both Washington and Lincoln. Eventually, the holiday became widely known as Presidents’ Day, a name that reflects its modern purpose of honoring all U.S. presidents and the role of presidential leadership in shaping the nation.
Presidents’ Day has grown into a cultural marker as well as a historical observance. Schools often use the occasion for lessons on American history, democracy, and civic leadership. Retailers also commonly promote Presidents’ Day sales, making it one of the busiest shopping weekends of the winter season.
What’s open and closed on Presidents’ Day
Because it is a federal holiday, some services and institutions close, while others remain open:
Closed:
- Federal government offices
- U.S. Post Office (no regular mail delivery)
- Many banks (Federal Reserve holiday)
- Some public schools and libraries
Open (in most places):
- Retail stores and shopping malls
- Restaurants and entertainment venues
- Most grocery stores
- Many state and local government offices may vary
Source: TIME, Guardian