While students are eager for the upcoming President’s Day because of the day off from school, and parents are excited for the mattress and furniture sales, do we truly understand the reason for this holiday?

The holiday was originally established in 1885 to recognize the birth of former President George Washington. Washington’s birthday is on February twenty-second. However, the Monday Holiday Act, proposed by Robert Mclory from Illinios in 1960 was a movement to give more time off for workers. The act was backed by the nation’s workers to create more three day weekends. So, the holiday was moved to the third Monday in February to celebrate Washington and Lincoln as well as all former presidents, according to the History Channel.

Several states hold specific holidays for the birthdays aside from President’s Day.

Workers against shifting the holidays from their dates that were original dates would make the meaning of the holidays less important. The bill mostly had support from private sectors and labor unions as well as a boost for retail sales. The act also created a widespread sentiment date for Columbus Day, Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day.

President’s Day was ultimately created to honor and respect the Presidents before our time who devoted their lives to serving our country in the way they seemed fit.

President’s Day is traditionally viewed as a time to bring out our inner patriotism. While we enjoy our day off, let us remember the founding fathers that made our country the place it is today. Story by Evelyn Eggers. Sources: http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/presidents-day