On the third Monday in February, the United States celebrates the federal holiday known as Presidents Day. The day takes place during the birth month of the country’s two most prominent presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. While the day once only honored President George Washington on his birthday, February 22nd, the day now never lands on a single president’s birthday.
Across the country, most Americans know the day as Presidents Day. More and more of the population celebrates the day to honor all of the past United States Presidents who have served the country. Throughout the country, organizations and communities celebrate the day with public ceremonies.
PRESIDENTS DAY HISTORY
The origin of Presidents Day lay in the 1880s when the birthday of George Washington was celebrated as a federal holiday. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill. The bill moved several federal holidays to Mondays creating three-day weekends. During the debate on the bill, one proposal suggested George Washington’s birthday be renamed Presidents Day to honor the birthdays of both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Washington’s birthday is February 22nd and Lincoln’s birthday is February 12th. Although Abraham Lincoln’s birthday was celebrated in many states, it was never an official federal holiday. Following much discussion, Congress rejected the name change.
Despite the rejection, soon after the bill went into effect in 1971, and the observance of Washington’s birthday shifted to the third Monday in February, gradually Presidents Day became the commonly accepted name. Over time, the observance came to be known to many as a day to honor both Washington and Lincoln. However, today another shift has occurred and many see the day as a celebration of all the U.S. Presidents.
Did You Know…
U.S. presidential elections are held every four years. The next presidential election will be held in 2024.
U.S. presidents take the oath of office according to the 20th Amendment of the United States Constitution. It states that the term of each U.S. President begins at noon on January 20th following the election. The oath of office is taken during the inauguration on that day.
The United State’s first president, George Washington, took his oath of office on April 30, 1789, at the federal hall in New York City.
HOW TO OBSERVE PRESIDENTS DAY
Some businesses close for the day, including banks and federal buildings, so make a note.
On December 7th, National Illinois Day recognizes the Land of Lincoln, home to the Windy City, and fertile prairies.
As the 21st state to join the United States, Illinois’s distinct political, industrial, agricultural and population densities create an intriguing contrast to other states.
When farmers began to settle on the Illinois prairie, they found the thick soil challenging to sow. One Vermont blacksmith made the work easier with the invention of the steel plow that cut sod more efficiently than previous tools. John Deere plow was born.
Railroads and shipping lines grew with farms in the rich prairies as settlers spread across the state. Chicago’s proximity to Lake Michigan has made it a major hub for transportation of goods across the country.
With the invention of the combustion engine, more reliable public highways became a national goal. U.S. Route 66 would become the iconic ribbon from Chicago to Los Angeles. Officially established in 1926, portions of the route were created from already existing roads.
Illinois completed the first leg of Route 66 during an era when Prohibition was in full swing. A paved roadway gave illegal transportation of spirits a bootleg up and the state a reputation that has become legendary for this era.
While Ronald Reagan was the only president born in Illinois, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant and Barack Obama all called Illinois home.
Traveling around the state, we will glimpse the wonders of nature or the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. From tours of his architecture in Oak Park to Starved Park State Park and Horseshoe Mound, Illinois offers urban and outdoor enjoyment.
Official Illinois
State Capital – Springfield State Nickname – The Prairie State State Motto – Virtute et armis State Bird – Northern Cardinal State Amphibian – Eastern Tiger Salamander State Flower – Violet State Animal – White tailed deer State Fish – Bluegill State Pie – Pumpkin pie State Fossil – Tully Monster State Mineral – Fluorite State Tree – White Oak State Song – Illinois State Artifact – Pirogue
Art and History
For a complete list of Illinois State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit www.dnr.illinois.gov and www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below.
Discover and recognize Illinois’ history and pioneering spirit. Uncover hidden treasures and explore all Illinois highways and byways! Use #NationalIllinoisDay to share on social media.
During National Golf Month in August, golfers are encouraged to share their experience and bring new golfers to the greens.
August is the time when courses offer discounts and when the driving ranges become a flurry of activity. Drivers and practice greens get a workout while during the height of the golfing season.
The modern game of golf may have originated in 15th century Scotland, but it has a solid hold in the United States and around the world. The oldest tournament takes place in Ayrshire, Scotland at Prestwick Golf Club. If you’re making the trip don’t forget to put a few Outlander spots in you itinerary.
Whether played as a team sport or individual, National Golf Month challenges us to take the time to show someone new to the sport everything they need to know to get started. Whether it’s just addressing the tee or putting or picking the right club, every new golfer needs someone to guide them along the way.
The Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) founded National Golf Month in 1993 promoting the sport as family accessible and open to all ages, genders and skill levels. The celebration grew out of their charity event, National Golf Day, which takes place on a different day every year.
Be a mentor to a new golfer. Introduce them to the fairway and the hazards. Help them keep score and don’t be too rough. They might be a little green, but at the end of the month, they might just be on par! Use #NationalGolfMonth to share on social media.
