February 18th – President’s Day/Washington’s Birthday
February 18th is President’s Day or as the Federal Government refers to it, “Washington’s Birthday. ” It was originally held on Washington’s actual birthday, February 22. In 1971 this was changed to the third Monday of February. This was the first holiday to be named for an American citizen.
While the most common name for this popular February holiday is President’s Day, the official name for the holiday is actually “Washington’s Birthday.” Though other institutions such as state and local governments and private businesses may use other names, it is Federal policy to always refer to holidays by the names designated in the law.
When is President’s Day/Washington’s Birthday?
While Washington’s Birthday is the same day every year, February 22nd, the holiday is actually celebrated on the third Monday in February. The day honors presidents of the United States, including George Washington, the USA’s first president.
Type of Holiday?
Federal holiday. The date changes every year.
How is President’s Day celebrated?
Since the holiday is a federal holiday, there is no school, banks are closed and all government offices are closed. Presidents’ Day is used by many historical groups as a date for staging celebrations and reenactments. Many states celebrate the holiday by spending the time leading up to the holiday to teach students about the accomplishments of the presidents, with a focus on the lives of Washington and Lincoln.
Fun Facts about President’s and President’s Day:
- Time of patriotic celebration and remembrance
- President Washington received $25,000 a year as the first President of the United States, compared to the current presidential salary of $400,000.
- The President who had the most children was John Tyler had fifteen children from two separate marriages. He fathered his last child at the age of 70.
- The only unmarried President was James Buchanan, who had a broken engagement and a fiance who died
- The most common name for the President of the U.S. was James with Madison, Monroe, Polk, Buchanan, Garfield, and Carter all bearing the first name. The next most common name is “John” with four presidents bearing this name including Adams, Quincy Adams, Tyler and Kennedy
Celebrities who celebrate their birthday on February 19th:
- Millie Bobbie Brown, Actress
- Victoria Justice, Actress
- Seal, Singer
- Smokey Robinson, Singer
- Jeff Daniels, Actor
- Benicio Del Torres, Actor
- Bellamy Young, Actress
February is filled with a variety of holidays – from Groundhog Day to Valentine’s Day. We have you covered whether you are looking for a holiday in a specific month or industry – Special Days of the Month is your go-to place.