Why We Need Presidents’ Day Now More Than Ever Before
I debated giving up on this article since I missed Presidents’ Day. But the following message deserves attention, so I will instead just make an excuse, blame it on a hectic schedule, and submit the piece for publishing despite missing Presidents’ Day.
The History of Presidents’ Day
The first President of the United States, and man who felt entirely apathetic towards his own birthday, George Washington, was born on February 22, 1732. Originally, Presidents’ Day served as a celebration of Washington’s Birthday from 1879 until 1970, and was celebrated on that day. In 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the holiday to the third Monday in February — this year, it fell on February 19. That is when the modern iteration of President’s Day was officially born. Being that Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States, was born on February 12, 1809, this day became the ideal time to provide an occasion to remember all United States presidents. After all, George Washington commandeered the Continental Army against the British, played an indispensable role in founding the nation. Abraham Lincoln led the nation through the American Civil War, preserved the Union, and abolished slavery. Funny enough, Lincoln was also the president who initially issued a proclamation declaring February 22nd as a day of celebration honoring Washington. What better leaders are there to pay homage to?
The only president that consistently ranks amongst these two is F.D.R. (Franklin D. Roosevelt), who led the U.S. out of the Great Depression, led the U.S. through the perilous years of World War II, and elected to four terms, though he died before completing the last one. What a shame he was born on January 30, 1882, just two days away from making the famous list of February presidential birthdays . William Henry Harrison (born on February 9th) and Ronald Reagan (born on February 6th) also have birthdays in February. And, in case anyone was wondering, my birthday is in February as well! I am not a president though… yet.
According to a poll of United States adults published by Pew Research Center in September 2023, only 4% responded saying that the United States political system is working extremely or very well. That is abysmal, and reflects a vast array of negative reflections on politics in the United States today. In an age of complex challenges and evolving political landscapes, while citizens may feel their leaders do not deserve respect and praise, Presidents’ Day is more relevant than ever.
Remembering Our Foundation
Presidents’ Day can serve as a vital reminder of the core values and principles upon which the United States was built. Four of the most significant founding fathers were presidents of the United States— George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. The United States of America was founded on the belief that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are unalienable rights — these principles form the core of our American identity. Throughout our history, the United States has strived to better embody our founding principles.
Figures like George Washington, who led the fight for independence and became the nation’s first president, embody the ideals of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to democratic principles. Revisiting a love for what democracy stands for is incredibly crucial at a time when an overwhelming number of Americans— 84% of Democrats, 77% of Republicans, and 73% of independents — believe that U.S. democracy is at risk.
Similarly, Abraham Lincoln’s unwavering dedication to preserving the Union and abolishing slavery serves as a powerful testament to the fight for justice and equality. Another key point to keep in mind, while 70% of Americans believe that the United States “needs to do more to increase social justice.”
By reflecting on these past leaders, and the ideals that they stood for, we gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs that shaped the nation we know today. Reflecting on those triumphs, we can find a reinvigoration for the fight towards a better future.
Learning from the Past and Building a Future
Presidents’ Day isn’t merely about nostalgia; it’s an opportunity to learn from the triumphs and failures of past leaders. Examining the decisions and actions of presidents throughout history allows us to critically analyze their impact on the nation’s trajectory.
Oftentimes, it seems that our leaders make the same mistakes their predecessors do. Involvement in certain global conflicts and wars is one example. We must critically analyze the decisions and mistakes that led to conflicts like Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, to learn from our past and shape more effective foreign policy strategies for the future.
This introspection fosters informed discussions about a wide variety crucial issues beyond war. By understanding the past, we can engage in more meaningful dialogues about the challenges we face today and work towards a future where we minimize the prospect of repeatedly committing the same errors.
Our presidents themselves are not wholly to blame for such failures either. As citizens, we must stay informed and vote in accordance with a thorough understanding of history and what our candidates’ policy prescriptions would mean. Are they committed to rectifying past mistakes? Do they use accurate historical narratives, or do they distort them? Will their actions be viewed with pride or shame by future generations?
We can only truly make lucid decisions about the future and the present if we have a clear understanding of the past.
Inspiring Future Generations
Presidents’ Day serves as an inspiration for future generations. By learning about the dedication, resilience, and leadership qualities displayed by past presidents, young people can be motivated to become active participants in shaping their own communities and the nation’s future. This sense of empowerment is crucial for nurturing a responsible and engaged citizenry.
While some presidents narrowly missed joining the “February presidents” club, their contributions to the nation remain significant. Ultimately, Presidents’ Day isn’t just about celebrating specific individuals; it’s about recognizing the collective leadership that has shaped the United States and continues to inspire future generations.
As the nation evolves and faces new challenges, Presidents’ Day serves as a valuable reminder of the core values, diverse perspectives, and ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union that define the American story.
February prompt submission for Thought Thinkers. Shoutout Alec Zarenkiewicz, Ben Ulansey, Robin Wilding 💎 , and FJCMontenegro!
