As President’s Day approaches, I reflect on the values this holiday represents. It’s more than just a day off from work or school; it’s an opportunity to honor the leaders who have shaped our nation and to reflect on the principles they stood for. In our town of Clinton, MO, we have a unique chance to connect with this history and celebrate it in meaningful ways.
President’s Day gives us a moment to pause and appreciate the foundations of our country. From the visionary leadership of George Washington to the courageous decisions of Abraham Lincoln, each president has left an indelible mark on the United States. This day invites us to remember their contributions, learn from their challenges, and carry forward their vision of a more perfect union.
Whether it’s through community events, educational activities, or acts of service, President’s Day offers a chance to come together and celebrate what it means to be American. Let’s explore the history of this holiday, discover some interesting facts about our presidents, find local historical sites to visit, try some patriotic recipes, and explore ways to give back to our community.
History of President’s Day
The origins of President’s Day can be traced back to the late 1870s, when George Washington’s birthday on February 22 was first celebrated as a federal holiday. Washington, as the commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and the first president of the United States, was a revered figure in American history. His leadership was essential to the nation’s founding, and honoring his birthday became a recognition of his immense contributions.
Initially, the holiday was known as Washington’s Birthday and was celebrated on February 22. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved several federal holidays to Mondays to create more three-day weekends for federal employees. As a result, Washington’s Birthday was shifted to the third Monday in February. This change went into effect in 1971, following an executive order by President Richard Nixon.
During the congressional debates, there was a proposal to rename President’s Day to honor Washington and Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is February 12. Although Lincoln’s birthday was celebrated in many states, it was never an official federal holiday. Despite the proposal, the name change was rejected, and the holiday remained Washington’s Birthday in federal law. However, the term President’s Day gained popularity, especially due to retailers using it to promote sales, and it is now commonly used to recognize all U.S. presidents.
Today, President’s Day is observed on the third Monday of February. It is a time to remember and celebrate the lives and achievements of all U.S. presidents, with a particular emphasis on Washington and Lincoln. Federal institutions, schools, and many businesses close in observance of the holiday, and public ceremonies and events are held throughout the country.
Presidential Facts
To make President’s Day even more engaging, here are some fun and lesser-known facts about U.S. presidents:
George Washington wasn’t born on February 22, according to our current calendar. He was born on February 11, 1731, according to the Julian calendar, which was in use at the time. However, in 1752, Britain and its colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar, shifting Washington’s birthday to February 22, 1732.
Four presidents were born in February. Besides George Washington (February 22) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12), William Henry Harrison (February 9) and Ronald Reagan (February 6) also celebrate their birthdays in February.
James Buchanan was the only bachelor president. He never married and served as the 15th President of the United States from 1857 to 1861.
Theodore Roosevelt was a renowned conservationist. He established the United States Forest Service and created numerous national parks, forests, and monuments to protect the country’s natural resources.
Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms. He was the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, serving from 1885 to 1889 and again from 1893 to 1897.
Abraham Lincoln was a licensed bartender. Before entering politics, Lincoln co-owned a tavern called Berry and Lincoln in New Salem, Illinois.
Andrew Johnson kept mice as pets. The 17th president reportedly left out the flour and water for the mice in his bedroom and enjoyed watching them.
Ronald Reagan was a Hollywood actor. Before his political career, Reagan was a successful actor, appearing in over 50 films.
William Howard Taft was the heaviest president. He weighed over 300 pounds and once got stuck in the White House bathtub.
These facts provide a glimpse into the diverse lives and personalities of the individuals who have led our nation. Sharing these stories can make President’s Day more engaging and help us appreciate the human side of these important figures.
Visit Historical Sites
While Clinton, MO, might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about presidential landmarks, there are still opportunities to connect with American history nearby. Here are a few suggestions for historical sites related to presidential history that you can visit:
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum (Independence, MO). Located about a two-hour drive from Clinton, this museum offers an in-depth look into the life and presidency of Harry S. Truman. Explore exhibits on his early life, his time in the Senate, his pivotal decisions during World War II and the Cold War, and his post-presidency activities. The museum also features Truman’s gravesite, where you can pay your respects to the 33rd President of the United States.
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site (St. Louis, MO). While a longer drive, this site preserves the home of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President, and his wife, Julia Dent Grant. This was their home before, during, and after the Civil War.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home (Abilene, KS). This is approximately a 4-hour drive from Clinton, MO. You can explore the life and times of the 34th President, from his upbringing in Kansas to his military career and presidency.
Patriotic Recipes
No President’s Day celebration is complete without some themed treats! Here are a couple of festive recipes that are perfect for the occasion:
Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle: This dessert is as delicious as it is patriotic. Layer fresh strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream in a clear glass bowl or individual trifle cups. You can also add layers of angel food cake or pound cake for extra texture and flavor. The vibrant colors and sweet taste make it a perfect President’s Day treat.
Star-Spangled Sugar Cookies: Bake sugar cookies in star shapes and decorate them with red, white, and blue icing. Get creative with your designs, using sprinkles, edible glitter, and different shades of icing to make each cookie unique. These cookies are a fun and festive way to celebrate President’s Day.
Presidential Popcorn Mix: Combine popcorn with red, white, and blue candies (such as M&M’s or Sixlets), pretzels, and a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and let it set before breaking it into pieces. This sweet and salty snack is perfect for a President’s Day movie night.
Volunteering Opportunities
In the spirit of service and community, President’s Day is an excellent time to give back to Clinton, MO. Here are some volunteering opportunities to consider:
Local Food Banks: Volunteer at the local food bank to help sort and distribute food to families in need. Many food banks experience increased demand during winter, so your help will be greatly appreciated.
Community Clean-Up: Organize or participate in a community clean-up event. Gather friends, family, and neighbors to pick up litter, plant trees, or beautify a local park. This is a great way to improve your community and show your civic pride.
Support Veterans: President’s Day is a fitting time to honor and support our veterans. Volunteer at a local veterans’ organization, visit veterans at a nursing home or participate in a fundraising event for veterans’ causes.
Tutor or Mentor Students: Offer your time and expertise to tutor or mentor students in Clinton schools. Help them with homework, provide guidance, or be a positive role model.
Assist Seniors: Many seniors in our community could assist with grocery shopping, yard work, or transportation to appointments. Volunteer to help seniors in need and brighten their day.
By engaging in these acts of service, we can honor the values of leadership, responsibility, and community that President’s Day represents.
As we celebrate President’s Day in Clinton, MO, let’s take the time to reflect on the history, values, and responsibilities of being an American. By exploring the origins of the holiday, learning about our presidents, visiting historical sites, enjoying patriotic recipes, and giving back to our community, we can make this President’s Day a meaningful and memorable occasion.
President’s Day is more than just a day off; it’s a day to honor the leaders who have shaped our nation and to recommit ourselves to the principles of democracy, service, and community. Whether you choose to visit a local historical site, volunteer your time, or simply spend time with loved ones, make this President’s Day a celebration of American values.
Let’s use this day as a reminder of civic engagement’s importance and the community’s power. By coming together to celebrate our history, honor our leaders, and serve our neighbors, we can create a brighter future for Clinton, MO, and the nation as a whole. Happy President’s Day!
Sources: lkn-magazine.com, whitehousehistory.org, en.wikipedia.org, thecollector.com, study.com, blogs.loc.gov, brookhill.org, britannica.com, georgiasouthern.libguides.com, archives.gov, voanews.com
Header Image Source: britannica.com
