The Natrona County Public Library will remain closed on Monday, February 19th, in observance of Presidents’ Day, resuming its regular operations on Tuesday. Presidents’ Day, initially established to honor President George Washington’s Birthday, falls on the third Monday of February each year, marking a significant federal holiday in the United States. George Washington, often revered as the ‘Father of the Nation,’ was born on February 22, 1732, and is remembered for his pivotal role as a military leader during the Revolutionary War and his presidency from 1789 to 1797.
Abraham Lincoln, widely regarded as the ‘Savior of the Country’ for his leadership during the Civil War and his efforts to preserve the Union, was born on February 12, 1809. Serving as the 16th President of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865, Lincoln holds a prominent place in American history alongside Washington.
In the early 20th century, the birthdays of both presidents were celebrated more prominently than today. While Washington’s birthday became a federal holiday in 1879, it wasn’t until 1970 that his birthday and Lincoln’s were consolidated into one celebration, now known as Presidents’ Day.
Historical accounts shed light on the commemoration of Presidents’ Day, such as a 1908 article from the Centennial Post describing special festivities at the University of Wyoming honoring Washington. Similarly, observations of Lincoln’s birthday were noted in various regions, including Sheridan, Wyoming, and Illinois, his home state. The celebration of these presidents’ legacies extended across the nation, with many towns and cities holding centennial events in their honor.
Articles from local newspapers offer glimpses into past celebrations, such as a 1922 piece from the Greybull Tribune describing a unique display honoring Washington’s birthday featuring a miniature Valley Forge, symbolizing his perseverance during the Revolutionary War.
Despite the historical significance of Presidents’ Day, its meaning has evolved over time. While initially intended to honor the contributions of Washington and Lincoln, the holiday has transformed into a consumer-driven event for many. Historians, like Alexis Coe, reflect on the holiday’s transformation, noting its departure from its original purpose and the loss of meaningful observances.
The celebration of Washington’s birthday has undergone shifts, with little documentation of observances during his lifetime. Even during his presidency, celebrations were minimal, with Congress only occasionally pausing for commemorative breaks. After his death, however, a market for Washington memorabilia emerged, and efforts to honor him grew, culminating in the establishment of his birthday as a federal holiday in 1879.
The evolution of Presidents’ Day into a commercialized event can be traced to legislative changes in the late 20th century, such as the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971, which aimed to create three-day weekends for federal holidays. This shift led to increased consumer activity and sales campaigns, overshadowing the original intent of honoring the nation’s leaders.
While Presidents’ Day continues to be recognized on the federal level, its significance has become diluted by commercial interests. Critics lament the lack of reflection on the legacies of Washington and Lincoln, advocating for a return to the holiday’s roots. As the nation commemorates Presidents’ Day, it serves as an opportunity to pause and reflect on the contributions of these iconic leaders to American history.