Presidents’ Day is more than an excuse to take the day off work. It is an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the achievements of two of our nation’s most iconic leaders: George Washington, born on February 22, 1732, and Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12, 1809.

Even before Washington died, his birthday had become an occasion for patriotic celebration. In 1796, for example, a Philadelphia newspaper reported, “This being the anniversary of the President’s Birth day, the dawn was ushered in with a salute of fifteen cannons, and a joyful peal from the bells of Christ’s Church.“ What we now know as Presidents’ Day first became a federal holiday in 1879, when Congress passed legislation designating it as such. In the second half of the 20th century, the holiday was moved to the third Monday of February, where it remains to this day.

Over the years, the holiday has come to be as much associated with Abraham Lincoln as it is with George Washington.

Born almost a century apart, Washington and Lincoln came from very different backgrounds. Yet there were similarities as well. Neither man received much in the way of formal schooling, rising to prominence on the force of their intelligence, integrity and charisma.

Proving himself a leader during the American Revolution, Washington was the obvious candidate when it came time for Americans to choose their first president. As both a general and a president, Washington’s genius rested on his ability to bring people together and inspire them to acts of patriotic service.

Just as Washington provided leadership during the conflict in which the United States was created, Abraham Lincoln led the American people through the conflict in which it was defined. Demonstrating a unique blend of empathy, determination and moral clarity, he guided the Union through its most trying hour, helping to bring about an end to slavery in the process.

Every day, we are proud to honor both Washington’s and Lincoln’s legacies by protecting the land where our nation was forged and defended.

https://www.civilwar.org/