However, some people may not know the origin of the federal holiday.
Originally the holiday was established to honor one of America’s first heroes, George Washington. The populous chose to honor him on his birthday, Feb. 22, in the last full year of his presidency, 1796.
By the early 19th century, Washington’s birthday was extremely well established as a bonafide national celebration. Citizens would commemorate the holiday by celebrating in a number of ways, including receptions, speeches by prominent leaders and extravagant balls.
Then along came Abraham Lincoln, another revered commander-in-chief, born on Feb. 12, 1809.
The first formal observance of Lincoln’s birthday took place in 1865, the year after his assassination, when both houses of Congress gathered for a memorial address. His birthday was not established as a federal holiday right away, but it did become a legal holiday in several states.
In 1968, legislation was enacted which effected a number of federal holidays. One of these was Washington’s Birthday, the observation of which was shifted to the third Monday of each year, whether or not it fell on the 22nd.
The act, which took effect in 1971, was designed to simplify the yearly federal calendar of holidays and give employees standard three-day weekends in the process.
According to the Office of Personnel Management, the holiday in February is officially known as Washington’s Birthday. However, it has become popularly known as “President’s Day” to honor Washington and Lincoln as well as the others who have served as president.