Happy President’s Day! The holiday honors two of our greatest Presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Every year, the third Monday of February is set aside by the federal government to honor these men and their contributions to the nation. The celebration officially started in 1880, when Washington’s Birthday (February 22) became an official holiday in Washington, D.C. It became a national holiday in 1885. According to the federal government, the holiday’s official name is still “Washington’s Birthday and on February 22nd each year, Washington’s farewell address is still read in the United States Senate.
In 1971, Congress officially moved the holiday to the Monday closest to Washington’s actual birthday. In the 1980s, the holiday became a celebration of the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln (born February 12).
Presidents’ Day is also a good time for kids to learn about some of the great leaders of our country. Ask if your children have heard any of these interesting facts about two of the presidents whom we honor on this day, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln:
George Washington:
- Was the first President of the United States and served from April 30, 1789 – March 4, 1797.
- Is the only president in the nation’s history to have been unanimously elected by the Electoral College.
- Established the two-term precedent for presidents after declining to serve a third term and retiring to his home in Virginia, called Mount Vernon.
- Began school at age six, but left at age 15 to become a surveyor, since his mother couldn’t afford to send him to college.
- Never had children of his own. At age 26, Washington married Martha Dandridge Curtis, who already had two children.
Abraham Lincoln:
- Was the 16th President of the United States and served from March 4, 1861 – April 15, 1865.
- Led the country through the American Civil War.
- Was largely self-educated and even taught himself law.
- Is the only president to hold a patent. He created a device that would free steamboats if they ran aground.
- Delivered one of the most famous presidential speeches, The Gettysburg Address, on November 19, 1863. It was less than two minutes long but had a lasting impact on history!
These are some activities that kids can take part in to learn more about our presidents:
-
- Take a virtual tour of the White House or George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon.
- Empty your child’s piggy bank. Line up all the coins and bills and then talk about the legacy of the president found on each.
- Get crafty and create Abraham Lincoln’s log cabin or George Washington’s cherry tree.
Check out some more presidential fun facts and have a Happy President’ s Day!
Author: admin
