Dear Just Be: Why do we celebrate President’s Day?

It was President Chester Arthur who set the day aside in 1885 and called it Washington’s Birthday. He created the day to honor the “father of our country,” George Washington. Depending on what calendar you go off of, Washington’s birthday is February 11 of the Julian calendar or February 22 of the Gregorian calendar. In 1960 it was proposed that the name of the holiday be changed to President’s Day so as to honor another great president, Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln’s birthday is February 12.

Each state celebrates the day differently. Some states include honoring other presidents that were born or lived in their state. Community and city celebrations use this day to honor government workers. The reason for celebrating this day is different for everyone, but the one thing that is true for nearly everyone is the name. The proposed name change of 1960, President’s Day, was never officially changed, so we are incorrect in calling this day President’s Day. It technically still is Washington’s Birthday.