Starting in 1800, a year after Washington’s death, it was decided to celebrate his birthday every year on February 22. It became a federal holiday in 1870, the first holiday honoring the life of an individual.
The date changed in the late 1960s when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act which combined Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 with Washington’s birthday on February 22 and the single holiday was changed to the third Monday of February.
Trivia: George Washington’s farewell address has been read in Congress every year on February 22 since 1862.
Today, many people think of Presidents Day as a day off work providing a three-day weekend since most schools and offices are closed. However stores are open because Presidents Day is a big sale day with most sales lasting all weekend.
Today, many people think of Presidents Day as a day off work providing a three-day weekend since most schools and offices are closed. However stores are open because Presidents Day is a big sale day with most sales lasting all weekend.
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