President's Day - a Lost Holiday?

Is President's Day a lost holiday? Do you do anything for President's Day to remember George Washington or Abraham Lincoln? Or is this day just another day off? The third Monday of February used to be an important day. It used to mean something to Americans. Why does it seem to be lost in today's society?

Back in the first half of the twentieth century, the US actually celebrated Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays as separate holidays. In fact, Washington's birthday was second only to the Fourth of July as a patriotic holiday. Schools and many businesses closed on these days to celebrate the lives of these great American leaders. Parades and parties abounded. Speeches and fireworks, the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem all made these days special.

Gradually, in the late 60s and early 70s, the holidays were changed and warped out of all recognition. In order to give federal employees a three day weekend and have orderly paid days off, the official day to celebrate Washington and Lincoln's birthdays became one day. It was officially set as the third Monday of February and was named "President's Day". This day became popularly known as a day to celebrate all past presidents. The official changeover occurred in 1971 and was signed into being by Nixon.

Over the past 30+ years, this day has become known as a day off and a day for shopping. There is very little actual celebrating done on president's Day. In fact, very few people other than federal employees even get the day off. The majority of schools across the US have traded President's Day for other days off. Many children just shrug and look blank if you ask them what President's Day is all about. Rather than celebrating the lives and accomplishments of two of America's greatest leaders, President's Day has become a day to hit up the white sales at your local mall.

Many years ago, when I was in high school and they changed the school calendar so that we did not have President's day off, I boycotted school. I refused to go to school on President's Day. My parents supported this and I made sure to tell all of my teachers the reasons behind my actions. It made no difference to anyone else, but it made me feel better. This year, and for every year that I am able, I plan to spend President's Day teaching my children to love their country and to appreciate the past and the great leaders who have gotten us to where we are. President's Day will not be forgotten in my home, even if we do not go shopping at the President's Day sales.