President’s Day

President’s Day is next week, Monday, February 15, and here are some facts and activities for you and your children to celebrate it! President’s Day commemorates our U.S. Presidents, and most importantly the “Father of Our Country,” George Washington. Some may not know that this holiday is also recognized as honoring Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s Birthdays. Before 1971, President’s Day was celebrated on Washington’s birthday, February 22nd, leaving it to fall on different days of the week each year. Schools, banks, and most businesses close on this holiday to recognize the importance of our first president of the United States. In 1971, President Richard Nixon declared the President’s Day as a federal public holiday to honor all the Presidents of the United States and both Washington and Lincoln’s birthday. President’s Day in the United States is now always held on the third Monday of February.

Abraham Lincoln  was born on February 12th, 1809. He was born into a very poor family and was not introduced to basic education. Although he grew up in less fortunate circumstances, he was well-known as a hard worker and was reading every chance he had. Lincoln became the 16th president of the United States in 1860. Lincoln was determined to set all individuals who were held as slaves to be free. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, which was to abolish slavery. He was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14th, 1865 at Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C. Lincoln was pronounced dead the next morning.

George Washington was elected as the first president of the United States on February 4th,1789. Unlike Lincoln, Washington was born into a wealthy family, who owned tobacco plantations and many slaves. He was a farmer and a soldier before his time as president and is known for his honesty and integrity. The Cherry Tree story from his childhood is symbolic towards Washington being known as an honorable man. Washington chopped down his father’s favorite cherry tree and when approached about it he admitted what he did and stated, “I can’t tell a lie, Pa.” This quote from Washington emphasizes his honesty from the start as a young boy. Washington  served two terms and refused to serve for a third. He later died at the age of 67 in his own home Saturday, December 14, 1799. George Washington continues to hold the greatest legacy in American history as our very first president, a true hero of the revolution and Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.

Scholastic provides many educational activities and games for students to help them celebrate President’s Day in the classroom. Many children around President’s Day get creative with these activities and create their own crafts like the signficant cherry tree, or pictures of Lincoln and Washington. Scholastic also shares a variety of President’s Day resources to learn more about our Presidents and their accomplishments.To truly grasp the importance of President’s Day here is a link of places to visit to celebrate George Washington with kids during the three day weekend or winter break.

Tayla M.

Boston Tutoring Services