Why Should We Celebrate President's Day?

Presidents Day is one of 12 federal holidays in the US, celebrated each year on the third Monday of February. In 2023, Presidents Day falls on Monday, Feb. 20.

The holiday was first established as Washington's Birthday in 1879 to honor President George Washington. It was commemorated on Feb. 22 until 1971, when it was moved away from Washington's actual birthdate to give federal workers another three-day weekend.

After that, it was more commonly known as "Presidents Day."

Depending on where you live, though, it may alternately be spelled "President's Day" (to acknowledge Washington) or Presidents' Day" (to include Abraham Lincoln, born on Feb. 12).

According to the National Archives, Presidents Day will never fall on George Washington's actual birthday, since the latest the third Monday in February can fall is Feb. 21.