Did you know Presidents’ Day has been a holiday since 1879? You may just see this day as an excuse for a long weekend, but there is more to it. Presidents’ Day is an important day to honor and celebrate the contributions of past presidents. We take these days to reflect on their leadership and impact on the U.S. This is the time where we recognize the sacrifices and dedication of our current and past presidents’ to shape our nation’s history. It is a reminder of the democracy and power of those who “we the people” chose to make president each year. This is a day to acknowledge and appreciate the role of our presidents’ to inspire future generations and continue to make positive contributions in our country. 

The reasoning behind the long weekend we have was distinguished by a vote. The New York Times states that“In a U.S. Chamber of Commerce opinion poll, eighty-five percent of people surveyed supported the switch to three-day weekends.” This had created the start of Presidents’ Day. While Presidents’ Day started to become known, the Continental Army had a part in it where they chose when to recognize the presidents. According to Britannica, “…commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and the first president of the United States—was first celebrated as a federal holiday.” All of this led to Presidents’ Day being the holiday it is today. 

Going back to 1778, George Washington’s birthday fell on the same date as Presidents’ Day. This was leading the Continental Army against the British, and Washington’s vision for what a birthday celebration could mean for a new country began to change. According to the New York Times, “When he and his men were stationed at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania, a group of drummers and fifers celebrated his birthday with a performance in front of his quarters.” This  shows that the year 1778 was the time for change. They were ready to transform the country. This was the start of the idea of Presidents’ Day although the year 1879 was when it became an official holiday. 

Overall, the importance of Presidents’ Day is a special day to acknowledge and appreciate the role of our presidents to inspire future generations and continue to make positive contributions in our country.