Letter: Demonstrating respect for the office
The federal holiday we know as Presidents’ Day is officially “George Washington’s Birthday.”
The holiday was first enacted in 1879 to honor our nation’s first president and commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Originally celebrated on Washington’s birthday, Feb. 22, it was moved to the third Monday in February by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act (Jan. 1, 1971), which ironically prevents the federal holiday from ever falling on Washington’s actual birthday.
Although our 16th President Abraham Lincoln never had a federal holiday of his own, the third Monday in February falls between Lincoln’s birthday (Feb. 12) and Washington’s birthday, making it an appropriate day to honor both of these great men. Many states that officially observed Lincoln’s birthday created a joint holiday for both Lincoln and Washington, often calling it Presidents’ Day.
Most would view Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday) not only as a holiday to honor two of the most influential leaders in our nation’s history, Washington and Lincoln, but as a day to honor and reflect upon the office of the presidency of the United States.
As a Republican, I do not share the views of President Barack Obama, but I think it is important that as Americans we show respect for the office and for what it represents…the idea that the power is held by the people and that we alone choose our elected representatives.
Presidents’ Day is a reminder to all Americans that we must engage in the political process, demonstrate free speech, and exercise our right to vote in both primary and general elections. We must not take for granted the freedoms and liberties that our forefathers fought so hard to preserve, and that so many brave men and women risk their lives to protect today.
Let us respect the office of the presidency and let us demonstrate our respect by showing up on Election Day to vote. And whether a Republican, Democrat or Independent, it doesn’t hurt to research the issues and candidates ahead of time.