TOPEKA, Kan. — Is Presidents Day the most perplexing holiday in the United States?
The various names and interpretations surrounding this holiday seem to rival the number of presidents who have served. Interestingly, the federal government does not officially recognize the upcoming Monday as Presidents Day; rather, it is designated as Washington’s Birthday, a tribute to the nation’s first president, who set the standard for greatness in American history.
For over 50 years, this holiday has not been celebrated on the actual birthday of Washington, February 22, nor on any other president’s birthday. The term “Presidents Day” gained popularity when the holiday was established to always fall on a Monday, leading to some confusion and prompting a desire among certain individuals to restore the focus on Washington alone.
Hunter Abell, a Republican legislator from Washington state, recently commented on the ambiguity surrounding the holiday, stating, “The concept of Presidents Day is a confusing mishmash of ideas. By celebrating all the presidents, I believe that we inadvertently celebrate none.” Abell’s remarks were made during a hearing regarding a proposal to rename the holiday in his state.
The federal holiday honoring Washington was first created in 1879, with the current observance date established by a law enacted in 1971. Each state has had the autonomy to decide how they commemorate the day, resulting in diversity across the country. Thirty-four states continue to incorporate some version of Washington’s name in their official designations, while 19 acknowledge Presidents Day. There are states that implement both names, and California simply refers to it as “the third Monday in February.”
This year, 47 states will observe a public holiday on Monday. Interestingly, Indiana and Georgia choose to honor Washington by giving state employees the day off after Christmas. Delaware stands apart, as it does not celebrate the holiday; in 2009, lawmakers decided to offer state employees “two floating holidays” instead of recognizing individual presidents or observing Presidents Day.
The significance of what this holiday represents is not lost on some. Mount Vernon, Washington’s historic estate in Virginia, advocates for a return to a federal holiday dedicated solely to Washington’s birthday. Their stance highlights concerns that the true value of Washington’s achievements is diluted by being part of a more generalized celebration.
In states like Alabama, Washington’s legacy is paired with that of Thomas Jefferson, while in Arkansas, the day is shared with civil rights figure Daisy Gaston Bates. In many instances, Abraham Lincoln, who is frequently regarded as one of the United States’ greatest presidents, shares the honor with others. Fourteen states celebrate a dedicated holiday for Lincoln, mostly aligning with his birthday on February 12. Indiana opts to honor him with a day off for state employees the day after Thanksgiving, a holiday Lincoln helped establish.
Additionally, various states recognize specific presidents connected to their legacy, such as Herbert Hoover in Iowa, Dwight Eisenhower in Kansas, Harry Truman in Missouri, Lyndon Johnson in Texas, and John F. Kennedy in Massachusetts. The latter state also pays tribute to its notable historical figures on Kennedy’s birthday, which falls on May 29.
In Kentucky, January 30 has been celebrated as Franklin D. Roosevelt Day since 1958, despite FDR being originally from New York. In Oklahoma, a Republican state senator has suggested establishing a new holiday on November 5 to celebrate President Donald J. Trump, coinciding with the anniversary of the previous year’s election.
Despite the significance intended behind many of these celebrations, some have not garnered much public attention. For instance, Herbert Hoover’s observance is often overlooked, as noted by Leo Landis, curator for the Iowa State Historical Society, who pointed out that many residents remain unaware of Hoover Day, which was designated in 1969.
In a world that often embraces levity and reenactments, it’s notable that presidential impersonators emerge in various gatherings annually, far beyond the better-known figures like Lincoln and Washington. The Association of Lincoln Presenters even lists portrayals of often-ignored presidents, such as Rutherford B. Hayes. Yet, Lincoln overwhelmingly captures the public’s interest, according to John Cooper, the association’s president and a Lincoln impersonator. He noted that in countless engagements since 2008, only two individuals have expressed disappointment after meeting the iconic figure, as Lincoln tends to resonate positively across different audiences.
“Everybody is happy to see Lincoln,” Cooper remarked. “At county fairs, people often approach me for conversations and photographs without hesitation.”
