Presidents' Day

Though he was born nearly 300 years ago, George Washington is like the gift which keeps on giving, as we all still get the day off to celebrate his birthday in February.

After his death in 1799, people began to observe Washington's birthday on 22nd February as a memorial to honor his life and achievements as the first President of the United States of America.

In later years, Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday also fell in February, likewise came to be recognized as a separate holiday to honor our 16th President, on February 12th. 

Then in the 1960s, Lyndon B Johnson passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which was a proposed measure to move several federal holidays to a Monday. The act would then create a series of three-day weekends for employees, and cut down on work absenteeism. 

As the third Monday in February fell between the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln, this shift would create a way to celebrate both birthdays on the same day, therefore President Richard Nixon proclaimed this one single holiday, to be observed on the third Monday of February, which would honor all past presidents of the United States of America.

Despite this, 'Presidents' Day' is not the official name of the federal holiday, and there is still some variation on the name. In Virginia, which is Washington's home state, they still call it George Washington's Day, and if you head a bit further south to Alabama, they celebrate Washington's birthday and Thomas Jefferson's birthday on Presidents' Day, even though Jefferson was born in April.

What do you call it?

Here on RUSC, Joy and I call it Presidents' Day, and to celebrate our past Presidents in our own way, we have put together a radio station. 

There are many patriotic tales to be told in old time radio shows, of which we have amassed a vast collection. Some are of historical interest and some are classic good fun.

Click here to listen to the President's Radio Station now.

As well as listening to old time radio shows, there's usually plenty of other activities to get involved in over the long weekend, with fairs, parties, happy hours, performances and concerts going on - and not forgetting the sales too! Do you have anything fun planned with your friends and loved ones?

Whatever you chose to do, Joy and I hope you enjoy yourselves!

Happy listening my friends,