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Happy Presidents' Day! Although here's a little-known fact: the holiday is most often called “Presidents’ Day,” but the observed federal holiday is officially called “Washington’s Birthday.”

Neither Congress nor the president has ever stipulated that the name of the holiday observed as Washington’s Birthday be changed to Presidents’ Day. Additionally, Congress has never declared a national holiday binding in all states; each state has the freedom to determine its legal holidays. This is why there are some calendar discrepancies when it comes to this holiday’s date.

In a sense, calling the holiday Presidents’ Day helps us reflect on not just the first president but also our nation’s founding, its values, and what Washington calls in his Farewell Address the “beloved Constitution and union, as received from the Founders.” Also, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is February 12, so by calling the holiday “Presidents’ Day,” we can also include another remarkable president in our celebrations.

Read more about how this holiday came to be! Almanac.com/content/when-presidents-day

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