President's Day

 By Nate Feldman

Standing with George and Martha Washington 

This Monday, February 19, will be the American President's Day holiday.  It is a holiday which takes place on the third Monday in February.  The holiday commemorates the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, both of whom were born in the month of February.  

Originally, the holiday was known as Washington's birthday.  Eventually, Lincoln's birthday celebration was combined to make President's Day.  However, in modern times, many people now use President's Day as a way to honor all of the presidents in American history.  

Interesting facts:

*George Washington is significant because he was the nation's first president.  He also was the commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution (1775-1783) against British colonial rule.  As president, he established many of the rules of the presidency that still exist.  Most famously, he left office after two terms, refusing a lifetime appointment as leader.

*Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth president.  He is famous for being the president during the American Civil War (1861-1865), in which the northern and southern states fought a long war after the southern states decided to secede from the country in protest of what they felt were Lincoln's anti-slavery positions.  The war kept the country as one nation and also led to the end of slavery.  

*Traditionally on Washington's birthday, people ate cherry pie in honor of George Washington because of a myth that exists that George Washington cut down a cherry tree when he was young and admitted it to his father when asked about it.  

*There are still events held in different locations throughout the United States on this holiday where you can celebrate the Presidents' birthday.  At Valley Forge National Historical Park, about 20 miles outside of Philadelphia, there are people dressed up as George and Martha (his wife) Washington.  You can take photos with them and enjoy some cake to mark the occasion.  At Mount Vernon, Washington's estate in Northern Virginia, people can visit for free.  

A cupcake to celebrate George Washington's birthday

*Interestingly, President's Day is known as a day of major sales, especially for cars and mattresses.