Know why America observes President’s Day

President's Day is a meaningful time to visit Mount Rushmore ... photo by CC user Sfmontyo on wikimedia

The United States of America observes Washingtons Birthday as Presidents Day every year. This federal holiday is observed on the third Monday of February.

The country comes together on this day to remember all of its past Presidents including their birthdays, lives and contributions. It has been made to include in fact all Presidents past, present and future at the same time.

Therefore Presidents Day or Presidents Day both stand correct. Initially it was started to honor George Washington, who was the first and amongst the most popular ones of these. Then later on it was realized that Abraham Lincoln too was born in the same month.

Other US Presidents who have their birthdays in February are William Henry Harrison and Ronald Reagan. This federal observance is also a holiday in many states. It is noteworthy that some states celebrate it in memory of Washington and Thomas Jefferson or even some other person. For instance, in Arkansas it is celebrated as Daisy Gatson Bates Day.

For many years now America is considered as a super power and attracts travelers from far and wide. Many want to holiday here and some would prefer to migrate here. They all need to apply for suitable visa categories and obtain them before entering.

Those on a temporary visit and are foreign nationals typically need the tourist visa. Interestingly citizens of certain countries come under the Visa Waiver Program that its run by the government. These people dont need to apply for any tourist visa and still get to travel. All they need to do is check ESTA Visa status before traveling.

This holiday in February is famous for its sales, especially those from car dealers. Still while many overlook the commercialization of this day. A major part of this day is to remember the country’s veterans.

It is same as with Veterans Day and Memorial Day. When it all began George Washington was seen as the father of his nation, this leadership skills and other accomplishments were celebrated on his birthday which falls on the 22nd of February. He is seen as a key person in American history till date.

The Washington Monument was also constructed in his honor. To pay tributes to this great man his hometown Alexandria in Virginia carries on with month long celebrations as a community.

The key attraction of this is the birthday parade which has been running for many years now. The George Fest is celebrated every year on by the Eustis community in Florida. This has been continuing since 1902.

Interestingly this day was celebrated for the first time when the President was still alive. It started towards the end of 18th century. It later became official in 1885. This was when the then President Chester Arthur made it a federal holiday.

Then next in 1968 Uniform Monday Holiday Bill was passed. This resulted in this and other holidays being shifted to Mondays so that workers could enjoy three day weekend.