President's Day

[Kobi]

For those of us who are old enough to remember,
Presidents Day was originally a day to honor George Washington.
Established in 1885, it was the first federal holiday to honor an
American citizen.

“The federal holiday Washington's Birthday honors the
accomplishments of the man known as "The Father of his Country".
Celebrated for his leadership in the founding of the nation,
he was the unanimous choice to become the first President.
He was seen as a unifying force for the new republic and set
an example for future holders of the office."

The holiday is also a tribute to the General who created
the first military badge of merit for the common soldier.
The original Purple Heart was established by Washington in 1782.
His actual order includes the phrase, "Let it be known that he
who wears the Military Order of the Purple Heart has given of his
blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by
his fellow countrymen."

Beginning in the 1950’s there was a movement to change
the original holiday to Presidents Day….to honor the office
of the Presidency rather than a specific person. Tho the offical federal
name never changed, Presidents Day made it way into the mainstream in the 1980’s
and has grown in popularty and use.

Regardless of how you view the day, do you have a particular
favorite President who comes to mind on this day?

I am a traditionist who still thinks Washington was awesome.
Imagine what it must have been like to see the concepts of a new
country being formulated and to have the initial responsibility to
implement them.