The American Spectator : The Day That Isn't

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The Day That Isn't

By Peter Hannaford on 2.17.12 @ 6:07AM

On Monday we'll celebrate Washington's Birthday, and no one else's.

On Monday America will celebrate a day that isn't. Millions of desk and wall calendars will show the third Monday of February as "Presidents' Day," but there is no such thing and thereby hangs a tale.

Sixty-one years ago, in 1951, a Californian named Harold Stonebridge Fischer formed the President's Day National Committee with the intention of creating a holiday that would honor the office of the presidency, but no particular president. He found some like-minded people to fill out his committee and push the idea and he must have acquired some financial donors, for he was executive director of the committee for the next two decades.

He lobbied Congress, proposing March 4, the original Inauguration Day, as the date for "Presidents' Day," but the bill to make it happen became stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Several members were concerned that adding a third holiday to celebrations of Washington's and Lincoln's birthday would be bad for the economy. Several state governors issued proclamations declaring March 4 to be "Presidents' Day" in their states.

Nevertheless, the federal bill went into hibernation.

In 1968 sentiment grew for a Uniform Monday Holiday Act that would move several national holidays from their specific dates to the nearest Monday, thereby reducing down-time for the economy and giving workers a series of three-day holidays. An early draft of the enabling bill would have renamed the Washington's Birthday holiday "Presidents' Day" to honor both Washington and Lincoln, whose birthday is on February 12 and has never been a national holiday.

The bill passed and was signed into law as the Uniform Monday Holiday Act on June 28 that year. George Washington's birthday, February 22, was moved from that date to the third Monday of the month and remains officially, the George Washington's Birthday Holiday. The term "Presidents' Day" is not mentioned in the Act.

Some Lincoln devotees saw the name "Presidents' Day" as an opportunity to use the new dating of the holiday to honor both men. Three states, Illinois, Missouri and Connecticut set February 12 aside as a state holiday to specifically honor Lincoln.

Other states have their own take on the George Washington's Birthday Holiday. Massachusetts state law requires the governor to issue a "Presidents' Day" proclamation on May 29 every year to honor four presidents with roots in the state: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Calvin Coolidge and John F. Kennedy.

Alabama calls the holiday "Washington and Jefferson Day," although Thomas Jefferson was born in April.

Used car and mattress salesmen, however, love what they call "Presidents' Day," as they salivate over plans for three-day weekend sales. Beginning in the 1980s advertisers began to use the "Presidents' Day" designation apparently because it had a snappier sound than "Washington's Birthday." The growing repetition of the fake name led calendar producers do put it on their products without verifying it.

It has been said that a day that honors all presidents honors none. After all, who stops to think about William Henry Harrison, Franklin Pierce, or Chester A. Arthur on the third Monday of February? Many people may be confused about the day, but the Wikipedia Encyclopedia isn't. If you go to Wikipedia and enter "Presidents' Day," it will redirect you to "Washington's Birthday." As will Google.

Mr. Hannaford is the author of The Essential George Washington.

About the Author

Peter Hannaford was closely associated with the late President Ronald Reagan for a number of years. His latest book is Reagan's Roots: The People and Places That Shaped His Character.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (37) | Leave a comment

John Daniel| 2.17.12 @ 7:01AM

The denigration of G. Washington began in the FDR administration when there was a concerted effort to replace him with Thos. Jefferson. G. Washington stood for doing your duty and, when completed, returning to private life. With our FDR inspired cradle-to-grave caring nurturing government, president's day matches the tenor of our times. We are doomed.

RJ| 2.19.12 @ 1:58AM

John,

It is easy to get discouraged during these days of condescending socialism, determined to lead us in decline and control our lives. When I see Obama and his supporters, I am often reminded of the homecoming that Dr Zhivago got when he came home from the war and found dozens of strangers living in his home led by a snotty, bossy woman.

But let's look to George Washington to inspire us. He faced tougher times than us when his troops were encircled at Brooklyn Heights; when it was "victory or death" at Trenton, when American troops were starving at Valley Forge and when he put down a mutiny in 1783. His example can lead us. Never give in; never quit. The cause of freedom is too important. Our strength is that we know that Obama and his followers are false prophets taking the wrong road.

Pecos Pete| 2.17.12 @ 7:19AM

I'd prefer a holiday honoring "Office of the President of the United States of America" as I don't want to honor a few of the men who have served in that office, and certainly King O who dishonors the Constitution constantly.

Moe Blotz| 2.17.12 @ 9:48AM

1 May is appropriate for honouring BHO.

Boar Hunter| 2.17.12 @ 10:35AM

I do get your point concerning May 1, but April Fools Day is the only suitable date on the calendar to remember the disgraceful election of (the communist) Obama.

Moe Blotz| 2.17.12 @ 10:39AM

I'll drink to that.

SpiralArchitect| 2.17.12 @ 4:23PM

Bah.
The jokes on people that love & respect America.
The joke is on people who enjoy liberty & freedom.

Dave Williams| 2.17.12 @ 12:52PM

How about APRIL 1?

Fisker Conservative| 2.18.12 @ 3:19AM

Yes, I second the motion for 1st of April as the B.O. or "BHO BHO" (say it out loud, it will make sense to you) Day.

Good call, Mr. Williams.

POST American| 2.17.12 @ 9:09AM

"Washington and Adams got wise
to the ILLUMINATI. They were kicked
out by 1800 --but snuck back in thru
the China opium fortune backed Yale
secret societies."
-ALEX JONES

----DON'T WE KNOW IT.

Further, one and all should soberly
take in the FACT that the final symbolic
act of Washington's soul in this world
---was to become a fully baptised Calvinist.

Those with an ear ----TAKE HEED.

PsychoDad| 2.19.12 @ 2:48PM

Isn't it sad when cousins marry?

JLW| 2.17.12 @ 9:49AM

As the author of this piece knows, one president who deserves to be remembered and remembered well is Calvin Coolidge (1923-29). Here is some info on him.

Coming into office after the Great War and the chaos that followed it, President Coolidge sought to return the country to a peacetime basis—“normalcy,” as his predecessor, Warren Harding, had called it. He refocused the government on executing its core responsibilities and made it function efficiently, effectively, and economically. If there was one thing Coolidge knew, it was how to make each taxpayer's dollar sweat. In doing so, he made maximum use of the powers of the new Bureau of the Budget. On his watch, the massive war debt was paid down and taxes cut or eliminated for all Americans….He presided over an exciting and vital decade—marked by individual freedom and bursts of creativity—that ushered in the modern age. It is worth nothing that Coolidge was our first radio president, welcoming the new medium and making full use of it. Most Americans had never known a period of such prosperity and well being….Internationally, Coolidge saw the role of the United States as a democratic model for other nations. While minding its own business, as Coolidge would put it, the United States offered a helping hand to nations in need, as in the case of the 1924 Japanese earthquake and in providing expert technical assistance to governments on financial affairs. He worked for peace though naval reductions, while seeking to bring about the reign of international law in his support for World Court membership and the Kellogg-Briand Treaty. The Coolidge Administration also worked to revive international trade by helping to restore the international gold standard…. Coolidge was a man for age. His popularity steadily increased throughout his presidency. Re-election would have come easily for him in 1928 if he had chosen to run. At the end of his term in March of 1929, his work done, Calvin Coolidge packed his grip and returned to Northampton, Massachusetts, to live out his remaining days among his friends and neighbors.

Jim Cooke| 2.17.12 @ 11:43AM

I live just south of Boston in "the City of Presidents" - Quincy, Massachusetts. I attend "the Church of the Presidents" and lead tours there in the summer. My City of Presidents will do nothing, nada, zilch and zip to mark President's Day though we will always ride the coattails of David McCullough if he writes a book or Tom Hanks if he produces a television series.
There's another City of Presidents and it is Rapid City, South Dakota. Spinning off their proximity to Mount Rushmore - the people of Rapid have erected statues of presidents on their street corners. I believe they have more presidential activity on this president's day than my city. Of course they would not need to do much to do more. Oh, yes! While I'm on the subject - there's another president with roots, nearby. They were put down in Milton, Massachusetts. They say, in Quincy: If you are good - you might get to die in Milton. That Aw, shucks Ivy Leaguer, George Bush was born in Milton. How did he get lost off your list?

trundle| 2.18.12 @ 3:27AM

Mr. Cooke, please keep us abreast of things there in Quincy. I had no idea. I have not made it to your state for now over a decade, so I am out of date with happenings, sentiments, etc. there.

How sad that local leadership does not choose to use a day to at least highlight the history. One does not need to ooze and schmooze over (gloss and gild the lily, so to speak) on these presidential lives lived, just tell the history BECAUSE we all should know it.

It is good that you do these tours. At least you are helping some people pay attention, and maybe some retain useful nuggets.

The author, Mr. Hannaford writes, "Massachusetts state law requires the governor to issue a "Presidents' Day" proclamation on May 29 every year to honor four presidents with roots in the state: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Calvin Coolidge and John F. Kennedy."

Is anything done in Quincy, Mass. on this date, May 29th?

I'd be curious to know. Thank you, Mr. Cooke.

Jim Cooke| 2.18.12 @ 9:24AM

Up till now, I'd never heard of the May 29 "President's Day" proclamation. I think I can say with certainty that nothing will be done to mark it. It is the birthday of John Adams second son, Charles, who died in disgrace at age 30.

Al Adab| 2.17.12 @ 11:44AM

When Washington proposed to appear before Congress and relinquish his military command, even George III saw the significance. He said, "If Washington does that, he will become the greatest man in history."

GENE HAUBER| 2.17.12 @ 12:26PM

HOORAH???

RJ| 2.17.12 @ 1:43PM

Thanks, Peter, for reminding us that the holiday is "George Washington's Birthday." The Ladies Association of Mount Vernon, a truly outstanding organization, reminds me of this fact every year.

George Washington was a great man; the best leader the world has ever known. While he loved his life at Mount Vernon, he spent over 16 years away from his home, at great personal risk and sacrifice, to serve his country with unmatched virtue and character. We are blessed by his service.

One of the many contributions that George Washington made was putting down a military coup that threatened America's civilian government of which Thomas Jefferson later commented, “The moderation and virtue of a single character probably prevented this Revolution from being closed, as most others have been, by a subversion of that liberty it was intended to establish.”

A few years ago, Jackie Gingrich Cushman, in Flags, Fathers and the Father of our Country, quoted Thomas Jefferson as saying, his [Washington's] justice is the most inflexible I have ever known, no motive of interest or consanguinity, friendship, or hatred, being able to bias his decision.

SpiralArchitect| 2.17.12 @ 4:33PM

The growing repetition of the fake name led calendar producers do put it on their products without verifying it

There is a Lenninist that knows saying things & being redundant about it makes them true, amongst the proletariat.

Vote Totalitarian
Obama '12

Jim Cooke| 2.17.12 @ 5:04PM

RJ,
Every now and again I remind the good Ladies Association of Mount Vernon of their great friend and benefactor, Edward Everett, and of his oration "The Character of Washington" - an oration that actually "saved" Mount Vernon. (Mr. Everett is one of the men I present in a solo history.) Studying Mr. Everett has taught me the greatness of Washington; nothing else comes close. Before our War of the Rebellion, Mr. Everett repeated his Washington address 137 times in the North and South hoping to preserve the Union. Paying all of his own expenses, he turned his lecture earnings over to the Ladies Association enabling them to rescue Washington's home from rack and ruin. When Fort Sumpter was fired upon, he ceased to speak and thereafter devoted his energies to supporting the Union.

RJ| 2.17.12 @ 6:15PM

Interesting story. I didn't know that. Thanks, Jim.

I visited your website and would like to ask your recommendation as to the best and most accurate book on Calvin Coolidge.

Jim Cooke| 2.18.12 @ 9:47AM

The best book on Calvin Coolidge will be the one Amity Shlaes is now finishing; I hope to contribute to its accuracy. At the moment, the "most accurate" book on Coolidge is fiction. John Derbyshire's "Seeing Calvin Coolidge in a Dream" (1996) is not really about Coolidge yet everything it says of him - and it says much - is accurate.
Robert Sobel's "Coolidge: An American Enigma" is good but riddled with errors - some are real howlers!
Why not begin with The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge (1929) and go on from there? Increasingly, Cal's autobiography is seen as the best post-presidential writing - second only to Grant's Memoirs who had Mark Twain for editor.

RJ| 2.18.12 @ 11:48AM

Thank-you very much, Jim. I have been waiting for Amity Shlaes book for what seems to be two years and want to get started. I am off to Amazon.com right now. Thanks again for the recommendations. I hope that I am in your area one day because I would like to see your renditions. Renditions of historical characters have been the highlights to my trips to Plimoth Colony, Philadelphia and Williamsburg.

W| 2.18.12 @ 1:46PM

"Coolidge, an American Enigma" by Robert Sobel, published by Regnery is good.

RJ| 2.18.12 @ 2:29PM

Thanks, W - I will look into it.

W| 2.18.12 @ 3:37PM

Amity Shales' book should be good. She wrote the "Forgotten Man" about the Depression so she already has done much research for that time period.

Richard Baker| 2.17.12 @ 11:02PM

Being from Virginia, I celebrate Washington's birthday on the 22nd. This other holiday is just another excuse for a 3-day weekend. To be brief, without him we'd not HAVE a United States.

POST American| 2.17.12 @ 11:29PM

----------------------FINAL WORD----------------------

BY THE GRACE OF GOD

it was given to Washinton to SAVE
his soul ---get WISE to the psychopathy
of the ILLUMINATI ---turn tale ---receive
grace ----and die a BAPTISED Calvinist
Christian.

The LAST credibly conservative,
GENUINELY American candidate
put forth was ----GOLDWATER.

----------And NOW, as TREASON unfolds
and EUGENICS is undeniably underway
---------WE the living must face TONS of
WASHING and more.

Washing in GOLDEN WATER.

"When your time comes
-------------------WHAT WILL YOU DO?"
-'IKIRU'
(1952 Kurosawa movie)

1952, the year we were able to save
--SOME-- of Korea from the Halocaust.

A GOOD war ---perhaps the last GOOD war
---and a GOOD year for movies.

-----------------GOLDEN in fact.

AMEN

PsychoDad| 2.19.12 @ 2:46PM

Look pal, you KNOW there was a warning out on that brown acid.

TKRC| 2.18.12 @ 6:53AM

the same sort of nonsense has happened to our celebration of Independence Day. alot of people now simply refer to it as "the 4th of July" as if somehow the date is to be celebrated, and not what occurred on that date. they even go so far as to use it as a greeting... i.e, "Happy 4th". ugh! that's as bad as wishing somebody a "Merry December 25th".

RJ| 2.18.12 @ 2:32PM

I wonder when the politically correct crowd will start to insist that Thanksgiving be referred to as Fourth Thursday.

trundle| 2.18.12 @ 4:46PM

Gentlemen, I lament the same. There is nothing wrong with a bit of variety to naming, but there is method behind the scuttling and hiding of the real purposes behind these calendar days.

I agree; Independence Day in July 1776 needs to be remembered and commemorated as one of the most significant, greatest days in world history.

We may not yet call Thanksgiving the "Fourth Thursday," (probably soon will), but it is too often now that we know it as just "Turkey Day" with greetings like "Happy Turkey Day!"

Or what.....Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys Football Day?

Even Valentines Day this week is now so often referred to as "Hearts Day." Is this the work of cardio specialists trying to drum up even more work?

I am sure that you know that we will have to dig in and man the barricades for the rest of our lives to defend Columbus Day.

POST American| 2.18.12 @ 9:48PM

And on this Washington's Birthday,
one and ALL should be doing a qualty
triple take on the strangle hold capstone
'MAY-SIN--Re' of the ILLUMINATI
sort, has on our political establishment,
culture and relgious establishments.

"---And in the 1920's the Rockefellers
and Carnegies were PAYING ministers
acorss America to preach that Jesus
himself was FOR ---EUGENICS--."
-ENDGAME
(online)

IF you've ever wondered WHY your
'Christian' church is useless in this critical
juncture ---and WHY your pastor's wearing
new suits while spouting the need for
'calm--ply--ants' to government, and the
need for more Gates weaponized injections
--------------WONDER NO MORE.

As we put aside the dynamite issue
everyone's been programmed NOT to
notice (---ie 33rd degree 'MAY-SIN'
and 'Christian' front op Pat Robertson's
greenlight to dumping spouses with
Alzheimers) ---consider just -some- of
the roster

--BILLY GRAHAM
-----JESSE JACKSON
--------ROBERT SCHULLER
-----------ORAL ROBERTS
---------------PAT ROBERTSON et al

----33frd degree CAPSTONE 'MAY--SINS'
one and all.

---SO remember! 'Jesus himself is FOR
EUGENICS!'.

The DESTRUCTION of ALLLL that was
in order to bring in the 'prefected'.

------Jesus himself ---is now 'on board'.

PsychoDad| 2.19.12 @ 2:43PM

O shut up, you tedious nut.

Rich Rostrom| 2.19.12 @ 1:20PM

Huh. I always thought "President's Day" was official, and that it was created because many wanted to honor Lincoln as well as Washington, but it wasn't practical to have two such holidays only ten days apart.

PsychoDad| 2.19.12 @ 2:44PM

'Alabama calls the holiday "Washington and Jefferson Day,'

They got some kind of problem with Honest Abe in Alabama?

POST American| 2.20.12 @ 12:07AM

"Religion is the KEY to history.
Of the christians, ONLY the Calvinists
had the faculty for self government.
And ONLY the Calvinists would fight."
-Lord Acton

'John Calvin was America's REAL
founding father."
-George Bancroft
America's FIRST Historian
1830

In this the 11th hour of the CFR-RED China
handover and world EUGENICS OP
---christian ---catholic --jew ---buddhist
---or A--theist --IF you are in any sense
awake to what's being done

--------------YOU ARE A CALVINST----------------

---And on this Washington's Birthday,
with Globalist Trojan Horse TREASON
unfolding on all fronts, and the most
awesomely horrific age-enda of capstone
EUGENICS on the move ---reflect on the
deadly, deadly, deadly effects of the
'fave' nstrument of church takeover
----------the ARMINIAN HERESY----------.

CHECK OUT the background on the
greatest American CON-artist and tent
show huckster of ALLLL time, 33rd degree
'MAY--SIN' and erstwhile 'Christian revialist'
Charles H. Finney ---back in the mid 1800s.

Download and hardcopy the info because
its being rapidly censored and pulled from the
net.

"GOD hates the sin ---NOT the sinner."
-Arminian Heresy

---And does God, or even the earthly judge,
send the sin or the sinner to prison?

This one tenet has done more destruction
than any open war or revolution ever could.

"Such is the nature of heresy,
it enters as 'RE---SUN' ---and it
wounds --wounds --wounds
-------------unto death."
-G K Chesterton

AGAIN ----CLEAN OUT YOUR CHURCH
or LEAVE IT.

"Two people make a universe."
D H Lawrence

----and the smaller the church the better.