Portraits of Presidents Abraham Lincoln (left) and George Washington (right). (Images: Library of Congress)
Saluting Our Leaders
United States remembers two of its greatest Presidents
On Monday, February 16, the entire nation will honor U.S. Presidents, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Every year, the third Monday of February is a federal holiday for the purpose of saluting Presidents' contributions to the nation. The celebration officially started in 1880, when Washington's Birthday (February 22) became an official holiday in Washington, D.C. It became a national holiday in 1885.
In the 1980s, the holiday became primarily a celebration of the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln, born February 12, 1809.
This year, much of the focus is on President Lincoln. Why? Because he was born 200 years ago.
Ceremonies and celebrations commemorating Lincoln are already under way. President Barack Obama and members of Congress honored the 16th President in a special ceremony in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol Thursday morning. President Obama will deliver an address at the Abraham Lincoln Association's annual banquet in Springfield, Illinois, on Thursday evening.
Also, the U.S. Mint released the first in a series of new pennies that pay tribute to different parts of Lincoln's life.
Why do Lincoln and Washington get most of the attention?
Historians consider Abraham Lincoln as one of the nation's greatest Presidents for a number of reasons.
In the beginning of his presidency, Lincoln fought to reunite states in the South and the North. A group of Southern states had declared themselves separate from the North. Even when the Civil War broke out, he kept his eyes fixed on reuniting the country. Lincoln also changed the course of U.S. history when he helped set many slaves free in the South with the Emancipation Proclamation.
George Washington is, of course, the nation's first President. But he doesn't get a national holiday just for being first.
Washington led the Continental Army to defeat the British during the Revolutionary War. He later presided over the Constitutional Convention, where the U.S. Constitution—the set of our nation's most precious laws—came to life. Many refer to him as the “Father of Our Nation.”
There are so many things you can do to learn more about these, and the other Presidents. Check out this list.
- Take a tour of the Lincoln Library and Museum
- Do 16 Activities to honor the 16th President
- Play the “7 Hats of the President” game
- See a Presidential Portrait Gallery by kids
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
Read today’s story and answer the following question.
 | Who is your favorite President? Why? Tell us what you think on the Scholastic News Online Blog! | |
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