I like a holiday as much as the next guy. My company gives us President’s Day off every year and so I won’t be working at my job today, as least not very much. I’ve never been completely comfortable with President’s Day though. When I was in school, I seem to remember celebrating both Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays. I was in elementary school after the 1971 implementation of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, so President’s definitely existed back then, although I guess I’m not sure if Texas honored it yet or not. I’m not really sure now if President’s Day is supposed to honor Washington, Washington and Lincoln, or I’ve even heard suggested that it is “All Presidents”.
I did a little research this morning and the best answer I can find is that it depends on where you are. Different states place the honor a little bit differently from each other. At the federal level, it seems to honor George Washington. All states seem to also honor Washington, but some add other honorees as well. It looks like Oregon just officially honors Washington. (That sentence sounds kind of funny on its own to a Northwesterner) I can’t find anything that suggests we deviate from the federal observance.
In any case, I’m happy to have the day off. I have lots of non-job related things to do. I’m in the market for quite a few things right now and there is usually a good President’s Day sale somewhere. After all rampant consumerism is what American really celebrates every day. I’d better go do my part.
I understand the holiday originated to honor two great President's in our history, but I like to celebrate them all. While some are more successful than others, I can't imagine what it must be like to be the leader of our country. The expectations are high and the people you hope to serve are never satisfied. Whether or not I agree with a President's politics, I do believe he (and someday she) deserves honor and respect for tackling the most complicated and impossible job!
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