OK, I'm going to date myself a little here. (Oops, is this the ageism I was just speaking of in that other blog?)
Anyway, here's the question...Do any of you remember taking a Civics Class?
When I was looking for a picture to put on this page, all I got was Honda Civics. Where has the word "civics" gone to?
Now let's talk about President's Day
There's a little history here most of you probably forgot.
President's Day, originally established to honor George Washington's birthday, became a federal holiday in the United States in 1879, when it was designated as a holiday for government offices in the District of Columbia.
NOTE: What happened in 1879 that made us want to celebrate a US President? Well, get this...As the 19th President of the United States (1877-1881), Rutherford B. Hayes oversaw the end of Reconstruction, began the efforts that led to civil service reform, and attempted to reconcile the divisions left over from the Civil War. (There was a lot of civics going on.)
However, it wasn't until 1885 that the holiday was expanded to include all federal government offices across the country.
Why move the date to Monday?
The specific date of the holiday was later moved to the third Monday in February as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which was passed by Congress in 1971. This act aimed to create more three-day weekends for workers by moving the observance of certain federal holidays to Mondays. As a result, President's Day is now celebrated on the third Monday in February each year.
Be the example...
Celebrating President's Day can be a fun and meaningful way to honor the contributions and legacies of the nation's presidents. Here are some ideas for how you can celebrate:
Learn About U.S. Presidents: Take the opportunity to learn more about the presidents of the United States. You can read biographies, watch documentaries, or visit presidential libraries and museums to learn about their lives, accomplishments, and legacies.
Visit Historic Sites: Visit historic sites related to U.S. presidents, such as Mount Vernon (George Washington's estate), Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's estate), the Lincoln Memorial, or the White House. Many of these sites offer special programs and events for President's Day.
Attend Parades or Events: Many cities and towns host parades or events to celebrate President's Day. Check local event listings to see if there are any parades, festivals, or other activities happening in your area.
Volunteer for Community Service: Honor the spirit of service exemplified by many U.S. presidents by volunteering for community service. You can participate in a service project, volunteer at a local charity or nonprofit organization, or organize a service project with friends and family.
Watch Historical Films or Documentaries: Spend the day watching historical films or documentaries about U.S. presidents and American history. There are many great films and documentaries available that explore the lives and legacies of past presidents.
Read Presidential Speeches or Documents: Take some time to read famous presidential speeches or documents, such as the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, or inaugural addresses. You can find many of these documents online or at your local library.
Discuss Presidential History: Have discussions with friends, family, or classmates about presidential history and the impact of past presidents on American society. You can talk about their policies, leadership styles, and lasting legacies.
Cook Presidential Favorites: Explore the culinary preferences of past presidents by cooking dishes that were favorites of different presidents. You can find recipes inspired by presidential tastes online and try your hand at cooking a presidential meal.
Decorate with Patriotic Symbols: Decorate your home or classroom with patriotic symbols and colors, such as American flags, red, white, and blue decorations, and images of past presidents.
Reflect on Civic Responsibility: Take some time to reflect on the importance of civic responsibility and the role of citizens in shaping the future of the country. You can discuss topics such as voting, activism, and community engagement with friends and family.
Overall, President's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the rich history and democratic ideals of the United States while honoring the leaders who have shaped the nation's past and present.
