A weekend in honor of our presidents
President’s Day Weekend: history and importance behind it. Enjoy your break!
February 23, 2017
Third Monday of February. Does it ring a bell? President’s Day is the right answer.
LSHS closes its doors Friday, February 17 to Monday, February 20 for a patriotic weekend in honor of all the U.S. presidents past and present that made and will make history in our country.
This holiday dates back to 1800, a year after the death of George Washington, the first president of the United States. People started celebrating his birthday, on February 22, to give value to one of the most important figures in American history, known as “The Father of his Country”. Washington’s birthday became a federal holiday in 1885.
The change from celebrating Washington’s birthday to President’s Day happened in the 1960s when Congress proposed a law to shift the celebration of some federal holidays from specific dates to a series of Mondays. This law, called the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, took effect in 1971 and shifted Washington’s birthday from the actual date of February 22 to the third Monday of February, making it a misnomer.
Later, around the 1980s, the term “President’s Day” made its public appearance.
Nowadays, schools close the entire weekend to give the possibility to students to spend time with their families, travelling or relaxing. Moreover, this day is known also for the sales the stores hold, so shopping is one of the activities more carried out.
Enjoy this break Vikings! Make it a great weekend!
