NORFOLK, Va. — George Washington, the first president of the United States and a pivotal figure in American history, expressed reluctance toward celebrating his own legacy. The founding leader envisioned a republic free from monarchical traditions.
This Monday marks the 293rd anniversary of Washington’s birth, and the nation will once again reflect on his contributions.
Over time, the essence of Presidents Day has transformed dramatically. What began as a low-key observance centering on Washington has evolved into a consumer-driven holiday. Some historians argue that its significance has largely faded away.
Historians note that while monuments pay tribute to other presidents like Jefferson and Lincoln with distinct imagery, Washington’s representation—a towering granite structure—has become an abstract symbol lacking personal attributes.
Washington was born on February 22, 1732, at Popes Creek Plantation in Virginia; however, he was technically born on February 11 under the Julian calendar, which was used until 1752 when the Gregorian calendar was adopted.
Despite being famous, Washington paid little attention to his birthday celebrations, as evidenced by historical records indicating that he often focused entirely on his duties at Mount Vernon, and there were no formal festivities mentioned in his diary.
During his presidency, Washington’s birthday was acknowledged by government officials, with Congress designating short commemorative breaks during his first two terms.
As political divisions grew, Washington’s popularity waned, and some Congress members chose to disregard his birthday as a form of dissent.
The first significant public celebration of Washington’s birthday took place in 1782, organized by a French military officer, marking a shift in how his legacy was honored.
Following Washington’s passing in 1799, a market for memorabilia emerged, intertwining patriotism with consumer culture as Americans began purchasing items that commemorated his legacy.
In 1832, Congress established a committee to plan national celebrations for the centennial of his birth, leading to Washington’s Birthday being unofficially recognized on a broader scale.
By 1879, Washington’s birthday was formally designated as a legal holiday for federal employees in D.C., although it is commonly referred to as Presidents Day today.
The holiday is officially recognized as Washington’s Birthday, despite efforts in some states to also celebrate President Lincoln, whose birthdate falls nearby on February 12.
During the late 1960s, the designation of Washington’s Birthday was adjusted to allow for three-day weekends, leading to increased retail sales and travel during the holiday.
With the implementation of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1971, Presidents Day was moved to the third Monday in February, further embedding consumer culture into the holiday.
Experts believe that the commercialism surrounding the day would have concerned the Founding Fathers, who viewed corporations as potential threats to the Republic.
Today, many feel that Presidents Day lacks meaningful traditions, prompting discussions about the need for reflection on the office and Washington’s enduring legacy.
