Every year, on the third Monday of the month of February, Americans celebrate this federal holiday to recognize U.S. Presidents, both past and present. Let’s explore why we honor this day and what we can do to teach our children about it.

President’s Day was established over 140 years ago in honor of George Washington’s birthday (February 22, 1732). On February 22 nd, banks, federal offices and many businesses were closed to pay tribute to the “Father of Our Country.” Subsequently but not officially, the holiday was broadened to recognize Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday was February 12, 1809.

In 1968, our federal government passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. It authorized that certain public holidays must fall on Mondays. This led to President’s Day being celebrated the third Monday of February. It is a special day to salute every U.S. President, past and present.

Washington and Lincoln have been among the most recognized leaders of this country. President’s Day is a day to recognize the lives and accomplishments of all our presidents. In reality, most people hold onto the tradition of primarily recognizing Washington and Lincoln on this day.