Today is Presidents Day, and it’s an opportune time to reflect on the importance of this national holiday and understand how it came to be.
Americans observe Presidents Day every year on the third Monday of February. The federal holiday honors George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, whose birthdays, February 22 and 12, respectively, straddle the day, which landed on February 19 this year.
Looking Back
Presidents Day was initially established to mark George Washington’s birthday and was celebrated annually on February 22. It was not until 1971, following the adoption of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, that it was shifted to the third Monday of the month. The act was intended to provide American workers with more long weekends throughout the year.
Despite the date change, Congress rejected renaming the holiday to “Presidents Day.” At the federal level, it officially remains “Washington’s Birthday.” However, the new moniker unofficially stuck once the bill was passed, partly because retailers popularized “Presidents Day” in sales promotions.
In fact, depending on the state, the holiday’s name can vary. Some states call it “Presidents Day,” while others use “Washington and Lincoln’s Birthday.” In Alabama, the holiday is called “George Washington and Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday.” In contrast, Arkansas calls it “George Washington and Daisy Gatson Bates Day” in honor of both the country’s first president and the famed Arkansas civil rights activist.
Presidents Day Celebrations in Dallas
George W. Bush Presidential Center
What: Celebrate Presidents Day by visiting the 226,000-square-foot George W. Bush Presidential Museum, Institute, and Library. Best of all, admission to the museum is free on February 19.
When: Year-round, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
What: If you are at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on Presidents Day, drop by the USO Center for treats.
When: February 19 at 10 a.m.
Where: 2141 S. International Parkway, DFW Airport
What: It would not be Presidents Day without discounted shopping. While the post office and stock market will be closed, many retailers will remain open. Free markets are one of America’s greatest strengths, so why not celebrate this historic holiday by stimulating the economy and shopping at some of your favorite Dallas retailers?
When: Sales typically start the Friday before the holiday weekend.
Where: Throughout Dallas and the metroplex.
