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In February, students nationwide get a day off from school for Presidents’ Day. But what exactly is Presidents’ Day, and why do we celebrate it?
Originally established in 1885, Presidents’ Day honored George Washington’s birthday on February 22. Over time, however, the day evolved to recognize not just Washington but all American presidents. Today, it’s observed on the third Monday of February, thanks to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which was designed to give Americans more three-day weekends (Yay!)
Aside from the day of extra sleep, Presidents’ Day serves as a reminder of the impact our leaders have had on history. President Washington set a precedent for the office of the president by giving up power after two terms, allowing the American experiment in representative democracy to flourish. Then, in 1800, the peaceful transition of power between Federalist President John Adams and Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson further proved American exceptionalism. Even in the tumultuous times of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln held together a fractured nation against all odds. These examples of leadership through crisis, though better remembered than others in U.S. history, are by no means alone.
It can hardly be denied that every president has had his foibles. Still, some of them brought led us through wars, others made sure good times lasted, and a few just left us with interesting bits of trivia. Did you know that William Howard Taft once got stuck in the White House bathtub? How about Andrew Jackson allegedly fighting in 100 duels throughout his life?
So, the question remains: How can we celebrate Presidents’ Day? Maybe find some interesting facts about a past president, visit a historical site, or just use the day to relax; after all, even presidents need a break now and then. President Calvin Coolidge, for example, slept eleven hours a day.
Beyond the fun facts and history, Presidents’ Day presents an opportunity to reflect on leadership itself. What makes a good leader? Courage, honesty, or ability to unite people? Looking at past presidents, there are plenty of leadership styles that remain relevant today; from James Monroe’s call for unity to Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s resilience during the Great Depression, our former commanders-in-chief continue teaching us valuable lessons in authority.
For that reason, while we’re careful not to deify our past leaders—they were humans too, lest we forget—let’s take a day to honor their accomplishments and be grateful for the nation we inherit. As leaders of the future, we can learn from the past and grow from it. So as a final message from Pillar, happy birthday, Mr. President!
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