TOPEKA, Kan. — Presidents Day often brings about confusion in the United States. Different states have various names and ideas regarding whom to honor, leading some to question the holiday’s true purpose. In fact, the federal government does not officially recognize Monday as Presidents Day; it is formally called Washington’s Birthday, in honor of George Washington, the nation’s first president and a symbol of American greatness.
This holiday has not been celebrated on Washington’s actual birthday of February 22 for over five decades. The name Presidents Day became popular after the holiday was moved to a Monday to create a long weekend. Consequently, some individuals wish for a return to simply celebrating Washington.
“The concept of Presidents Day is a confusing mishmash of ideas,” said Hunter Abell, a Republican state legislator from Washington state, who is advocating to rename the holiday in his state. He believes that by trying to recognize all presidents, we end up diminishing the significance of each one.
The federal recognition of Washington’s Birthday began in 1879, but the current observance date was set in 1971. Today, states have the freedom to celebrate as they choose. Currently, 34 states still use some form of Washington’s name, while 19 opt for Presidents Day, with a few doing both. Some states even refer to it simply as “the third Monday in February.”
Out of the 50 states, 47 will observe a public holiday on Monday. Interestingly, while Indiana and Georgia choose to honor Washington by giving their state workers a day off after Christmas, Delaware has shifted to offering “two floating holidays” without designating a specific day for Presidents Day or honoring individual presidents.
Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Virginia has expressed a desire to revert to a federal holiday to celebrate Washington’s birthday. The estate’s website argues that Washington’s achievements should not be overshadowed by what they deem a “vague” holiday.
In various states, Washington shares his day with other notable figures. For instance, in Alabama, he is recognized alongside Thomas Jefferson, while in Arkansas, Daisy Gaston Bates, a civil rights leader, shares the spotlight. More commonly, Washington is grouped with Abraham Lincoln, a president whose legacy is sometimes considered equally significant.
Fourteen states even have specific holidays just for Lincoln, primarily on his birthday, February 12. Indiana honors him with a day off for state employees on the day after Thanksgiving, which he is often credited with establishing in 1863.
Other presidents have dedicated holidays as well. States like Iowa honor Herbert Hoover, while Kansas recognizes Dwight Eisenhower, Missouri acknowledges Harry Truman, Texas honors Lyndon Johnson, and Massachusetts celebrates John F. Kennedy.
Despite this variety, not all presidential holidays are widely celebrated. Herbert Hoover’s designated day is known by few outside of Cedar County, Iowa, where his library is located. The state’s historical society curator admits that many Iowans are not aware of Hoover Day’s existence.
Interestingly, while some presidents are well-remembered, others fade into obscurity. Presidential impersonators can be found at numerous events each year, but none attract attention quite like Abraham Lincoln, who is a crowd favorite at county fairs and similar gatherings.
As people reflect on this uniquely American holiday, the question remains: Should we focus on a single president who shaped our nation, or continue to celebrate all in a way that leaves their contributions less clear?
