what is presidents day celebrating
Presidents Day (officially Washington’s Birthday) is a U.S. federal holiday that celebrates the birthday and legacy of George Washington and has broadened over time to honor other or even all U.S. presidents.
What is Presidents Day celebrating?
- Originally: It was created to commemorate George Washington’s birthday, recognizing him as the first U.S. president and a key leader in winning independence and shaping the early republic.
- Today in practice: Many people treat it as a day to honor both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, whose birthdays are in February.
- Broader modern meaning: In popular use, it has evolved into a general celebration of the office of the presidency and all individuals who have served as U.S. president.
Quick historical scoop
- Washington’s birthday began as an unofficial national observance in the early 1800s after his death.
- It became an official federal holiday (Washington’s Birthday) in 1879.
- In 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the observance to the third Monday in February, helping create three‑day weekends.
- Around that time, public habits and state laws shifted the focus from just Washington to “Presidents Day,” often including Lincoln and sometimes all presidents.
How people mark it now
- Government: It is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of February, so many federal offices, banks, and schools are closed.
- Civic/patriotic events: Some communities hold ceremonies, historical reenactments, or educational programs about Washington, Lincoln, and other presidents.
- Commercial angle: It’s widely associated with big retail sales—especially for cars, furniture, and mattresses—because stores use the long weekend to run promotions.
Different viewpoints on “what” it celebrates
- Strict/federal view: It is still legally Washington’s Birthday, honoring George Washington specifically.
- Common public view: It’s a chance to celebrate Washington, Lincoln, and other “great presidents” together.
- Broad civic view: It’s a moment to reflect on presidential leadership, democratic institutions, and American history more generally.
In short, Presidents Day is officially about Washington, popularly about Washington and Lincoln, and culturally has grown into a broader celebration of the U.S. presidency and its place in American history.
TL;DR: Presidents Day celebrates George Washington’s birthday but has grown into a day many people use to honor Washington, Lincoln, and often all U.S. presidents, along with the history of the presidency itself.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.