President's Day (Post 31)

If your want to start your own ten cent crazy book - read post 1-4 to find out how

Ok, do you want to wow someone with the things you know about President’s Day? Here are a few facts to add to your ten cent crazy book.

The third Monday in February is Washington's Birthday, even though it’s more commonly known as President’s Day.

It’s not Officially President’s Day!

The federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February is not officially called President’s Day. Instead, it is Washington's Birthday. There was an attempt in 1968 to officially name it President’s Day. However, this suggestion died in committee. Many states, however, choose to call their own celebration on this day "President’s Day."

Many people celebrated Washington's Birthday in the 17th century while George Washington was still alive. However, it wasn't until 1885 that Chester Arthur signed the bill that made it a federal holiday.

Even though many states celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday with Washington's birthday, it is not a federal holiday.

Traditionally, many celebrated and continue to celebrate Washington's Birthday with desserts made with cherries. Cherry pie, cherry cake, bread made with cherries or just a huge bowl of cherries are often enjoyed on this day. Of course, this relates to the story that Washington would not tell a lie when asked if he cut down a cherry tree.

One thing that many people connect with Presidents Day is sales. In the 1980s, stores began to use this holiday as a time to clear out their old stock to prepare for spring and summer.

On February 22nd of almost every year since 1888, Washington's Farewell Address has been read in the US Senate. While this does not happen on President’s Day, it is an annual celebration of Washington's Birthday that stems from 1862 when the Address was read as a way to boost morale during the Civil War. This address was and is so important because it warns of political factionalism, geographical sectionalism, and interference by foreign powers in the nation's affairs. Washington stressed the importance of national unity over sectional differences.

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