Celebrating President’s Day

Almost all Americans will have a day off on “President’s Day”. The 90th Congress of the United States were trying to streamline a holiday for its forefathers specially for George Washington and Abraham Lincoln passed a new law, The Uniform Monday Holiday Act, declaring third Monday of each February as President’s Day which went into effect for the first time in 1971.

President George Washington was born on February 22, 1732. But according to Julian calendar his birthday day was 11th of February. So, people were celebrating his birthday either on 11th or 22nd.

President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday fell on February 12th. Prior to 1968 both days, 12th and 22nd were celebrated. But both days were so close to each other and the Congress was looking for a way to combine both.

The Uniform Monday Holiday Act brought both birthdays into a day where Americans can celebrate our forefathers. Most of the government sector offices including the postal service are closed on this day in observance of President’s Day. However, private sector businesses are using the day to attract people by promoting special sales. Among those, vehicle sales are the biggest. Some schools take a week and close for a Winter break.