Presidents Day: A Holiday Evolving Through History
By: Wise News Network Staff
Washington, DC (WNN)— Presidents’ Day, observed on the third Monday of February, has a rich and evolving history, beginning as a day to commemorate George Washington and transforming into a holiday that recognizes all U.S. presidents. In 2025 the holiday falls on February 17th.
Honoring the Nations First President
The origins of Presidents Day trace back to the 1800s, following the death of George Washington in 1799. His February 22nd birthday became an unofficial day of remembrance. While Washington’s birthday was observed throughout the 19th century, it gradually gained more formal recognition.
The Push For Federal Recognition
In 1862, during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring February 22nd a day of celebration honoring Washington. This proclamation recommended that people gather in their usual meeting places to hear Washington’s address read aloud.
However, it wasn’t until 1879 that Washington’s Birthday became an official federal holiday, signed into law by President Rutherford B. Hayes. In 1885, the observance was expanded to include all federal offices nationwide.
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act
In the late 1960s, the government wanted to make it easier for people to have long weekends so they passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Starting in 1971, this law moved some federal holidays to Mondays.
One of these was Washington’s birthday. The idea was also to possibly combine Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays into one holiday. They considered calling it “President’s Day” but that idea wasn’t approved.
From Washington’s Birthday to President’s Day
After much discussion, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was approved in 1968 and started in 1971 after President Richard M. Nixon signed an order. Even though the government still called it “Washington’s Birthday,” the holiday now fell on a Monday between Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays, so people started calling it “Presidents’ Day”
The Rise of “Presidents Day”
In the mid-1980s, stores started using the three-day weekend to have “Presidents’ Day” sales, which helped the name become more popular. Because of this, people began to think of the holiday as a time to honor all U.S. presidents, not just Washington and Lincoln.
Observances Across the Nation
In various parts of the country, Presidents’ Day is marked by special events and educational programs. For example, in Washington’s adopted hometown of Alexandria, Virginia, celebrations are held throughout the month of February. Many schools use this as a way to teach students about the history of the American presidency and the important roles presidents have played in shaping the nation.
What’s Open and Closed on President’s Day
As a federal holiday, Presidents’ Day sees closures and modified services across the country. Regular U.S. Postal Service services are suspended, meaning no regular mail delivery. However, Priority Mail Express is still delivered.
UPS, FedEx, and DHL remain open, though FedEx notes potential early pickups in some areas. Banks are also closed, though ATM and online transactions are still available.
Most government offices, including courthouses, DMVs, and public schools, are also closed. The U.S. stock market is closed as well. Most major grocery and fast-food chains remain open, but it’s always best to check the hours of your local stores as they may vary.
Celebrating all U.S Presidents
As we celebrate President’s Day each year, it reminds us that the way we honor our leaders and our history is always changing. The holiday started as a specific way to remember George Washington, but it has grown into a way to recognize all presidents and their leadership.
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