Presidents' Day
Monday 21st February 2011
Presidents' Day Monday 21st February 2011
February 12 and 22 were observed as separate holidays to honor the birthdays of respectively Abraham Lincoln and George Washington until 1971, when President Richard Nixon proclaimed one single federal holiday, the Presidents' Day, to be observed on the third Monday of February, honoring all past presidents of the United States of America.
To celebrate the day on RUSC I will be adding a CBS Radio Mystery Theater episode entitled Assassination In Time, which was originally broadcast on 26th September 1975. It tells the story of Peg Andrews and Steve MacDonald, two time travellers who are transported back in time to April 14th 1865 the day John Wilkes Booth assassinated Presidents Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theater.
They are shocked to realise that they are in Mary Surratt’s boarding house the spot where the whole assassination plot was hatched. They have it in their power to change history but what can they do? If you were in a position of knowing without a shadow of a doubt the dreadful thing that was to happen on this day what would you do and how?
Over the weekend I am also adding two other shows featuring Presidents. Firstly, President's Lady from Lux Radio Theater, a story based on the novel by Irving Stone about Andrew Jackson who was one of our greatest presidents. It is the tender story of his deep love for his wife Rachel. Charlton Heston stars in the lead recreating his role from the original 1953 20th Century Fox production.
Secondly, I am adding an episode of Quiz Kids with the leading question, "There’s one United States President besides George Washington whose birthday is celebrated as a legal holiday in all the states and territories. Which one is it?" Be careful though, it’s not who you might think it is. The clue is in the question! Find out what the youngsters in school on Quiz Kids have to say for here they are with the chief quizzer him self, Joe Kelly.
And if those shows aren't enough then you can click on the link for a list of relevant shows previously featured on RUSC for Presidents' Day.
Happy listening my friends,
