There is a day for moms. There’s a day for dads. The United States also has a day for its president. That holiday takes place in February. But what is it, exactly?
The U.S. government lists the holiday as “Washington’s Birthday.” However, most Americans call it “Presidents’ Day.” Different states have other names for it. Some call it “Presidents Day,” for example.
George Washington was a general during the American Revolutionary War. That gave the United States its . Washington became the first president of the United States in 1789. Washington steered the new nation through its first years. He died in 1799. People then began celebrating his memory on February 22. In 1879, the United States created a national holiday for that day: Washington’s Birthday.
For years, Washington’s Birthday was on February 22. The holiday could happen on any day of the week. That changed in 1971. Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. It moved the holiday to the third Monday in February. As a result, workers would always have a three-day weekend.
The holiday is still officially Washington’s Birthday. Yet Americans often celebrate two presidents. After all, Abraham Lincoln was also born in February. (His birthday is February 12.) Lincoln was the 16th U.S. president. He guided the United States through the Civil War (1861–1865). He freed enslaved people in America. So, Presidents’ Day is a chance to remember Lincoln too!
Most schools close for the holiday. Whatever you call it, be sure to celebrate. America’s leaders can teach us lessons. The presidents fought for justice and led with courage. Remember that you can make a difference — just like America’s presidents.
Happy Presidents’ Day!
By Russell Kahn (Russ)
Updated February 13, 2026, 5:04 P.M. (ET)
