Simple. But the history and timing of the day offering a break from school for many kids is a bit more complicated.Officially the U.S. federal holiday’s name is Washington’s Birthday, established in the late 1800s to mark contributions of the first American president on his birthday, Feb. 22. The day later expanded to honor Abraham Lincoln, who was born on Feb. 12.
Eventually, the third Monday of February, between the statesmen’s birthdays, became a day to salute them and all past and present U.S. commanders-in-chief. According toThis long weekend, make the most of the day’s significance. “The meaning and value of Presidents Day is often lost in the shuffle of just a day off or sales at stores,” Seattle presidential historian and blogger Mike Purdy, who writes
We celebrate all, but one President Monday!