Monday, February 19, 2024 is Presidents’ Day. It is a federal holiday to honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The holiday is between Washington’s birthday on February 22 and Lincoln’s birthday on February 12.
Officially this holiday is called Washington’s Birthday. The 1968 Uniform Monday Holiday Act included celebrating Abraham Lincoln during this holiday as well as George Washington, although the official name of the holiday was not changed.
Although many people think of this day as a retail sales day, it’s purpose is to celebrate George Washington, our first president, and Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States.
George Washington was commander of the Continental Army, which fought for independence from the British. Washington was sworn in as the first president on April 30, 1789, in New York City. A biography can be found at White House – George Washington.
Abraham Lincoln became president in 1861, led the country through the Civil War and was re-elected in 1864. His biography can be found at White House – Abraham Lincoln.