Is it Presidents’ Day or President’s Day?

BARTLETT HIGH SCHOOL -- Is it “President’s Day” or “Presidents’ Day”? In other words, are we celebrating one president or multiple? We celebrate Presidents’ Day every third Monday of February. We take a day off from work and school to celebrate, but do we really know what’s the true meaning of Presidents’ Day?

 

Presidents’ Day was established in the 1970s as Washington Day on George Washington’s birthday, February 22. Some states, such as Texas, only honor George Washington since, of course, he was the first president of America. Meanwhile, every other state celebrates every president of the United States, which leaves the confusion of what this holiday is really about. 

 

Although it is true that Presidents’ Day used to be “Washington Day,” this day is to show respect to the past presidents of the USA. This is because while most states have adopted Washington's Birthday, some states officially celebrate Presidents’ Day. Some states pay particular attention to Abraham Lincoln, as his birthday was also in mid-February. 

 

So let’s not think of the day as a day to celebrate only one or two presidents, but all those who have led our country. And those who will continue to do so in the future. Let’s be sure we spell it right: Presidents’ Day.