Combining George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s Birthdays into Presidents’ Day: An Explanation

Background:

Originally, both George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays were celebrated separately, reflecting their individual importance in American history. Washington’s Birthday, also known as “Washington’s Day,” was celebrated on February 22, while Lincoln’s Birthday was celebrated on February 12. In 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed by Congress, which sought to provide more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers by shifting the celebration of certain holidays to Mondays. This act led to the creation of a single “Presidents’ Day,” intended to honor all U.S. presidents, combining Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays into one holiday observed on the third Monday in February.

Reasons for Combining the Holidays:

1. Uniformity and Convenience: The Uniform Monday Holiday Act aimed to create more long weekends for workers, thereby boosting the economy through increased leisure travel and spending. Combining the birthdays into one day was part of this effort to standardize holidays.

2. Inclusivity: By broadening the holiday to recognize all U.S. presidents, it was intended to be more inclusive, celebrating the contributions of all who have held the office, not just Washington and Lincoln.

Impact on the Importance of Washington and Lincoln:

1. Dilution of Individual Legacy: Combining Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays into a single holiday meant that their specific contributions and legacies became less individually recognized. Instead of having days solely dedicated to reflecting on their pivotal roles—Washington as the founding father and first president, and Lincoln as the savior of the Union and emancipator of slaves—Presidents’ Day now encompasses all presidents, thereby diluting the focus on their exceptional achievements.

2. Equalization with Lesser Figures: By grouping Washington and Lincoln with all other presidents, including those who may not have had as significant an impact on the country, the holiday could be seen as reducing the unique reverence these two figures command. While the intent was inclusivity, the effect has been that Washington and Lincoln are now celebrated in the same breath as presidents who may not have achieved as much, thereby lowering the perceived importance of their contributions.

3. Public Perception: Over time, the public’s connection to the specific accomplishments of Washington and Lincoln might weaken as Presidents’ Day becomes more associated with general sales events and a long weekend rather than a day of reflection on their leadership and values. The original intent behind honoring these two presidents becomes obscured when they are lumped together with the entire roster of U.S. presidents.

Conclusion:

While the combination of George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays into Presidents’ Day may have been intended to create convenience and inclusivity, it inadvertently diminishes the distinct importance of these two figures in American history. By celebrating all presidents on a single day, the unique legacies of Washington and Lincoln are somewhat overshadowed, reducing the public’s focus on their extraordinary contributions. This broadening of focus means that they are compared, even if indirectly, with presidents who may not have had as significant an impact, thereby lowering the overall significance of their individual achievements in the eyes of the public.