Here is a reminder that Monday is the observance of George Washington’s birthday and is a federal holiday – celebrated on the third Monday of February in honor of the first President of the United States, who was born on February 22, 1732 at his parents’ Pope’s Creek estate near Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County, Virginia. The third Monday is between February 15 and 21, which makes “Washington’s Birthday” something of a misnomer, since it never occurs on Washington’s actual birthday.
Colloquially, the day is also now widely known as Presidents’ Day and is often an occasion to honor the incumbent president and all who have served as president. Although Lincoln’s birthday, February 12, was never a federal holiday, in historical rankings of presidents of the United States, Lincoln and Washington are frequently, but not always, the top two presidents.
Until the late 1980s, corporate businesses generally closed on this day, similar to present practices on Memorial Day or Christmas Day. However, after having been moved to the third Monday, most businesses remain open with many offering sales and other promotions. Federal and state government services and our Catholic Center and schools are closed. Some school districts may close for an entire week as a “mid-winter recess”. A food traditionally associated with the holiday is cherry pie, based on the legendary chopping down of a cherry tree in Washington’s youth.
The holiday is also a tribute to the general who created the first military badge of merit for the common soldier. Revived on Washington’s 200th birthday in 1932, the Purple Heart medal (which bears Washington’s image) is awarded to soldiers who are injured in battle. Back in 2006, when I was wing chaplain at the New York Air National Guard, I was present at a very moving ceremony in which Purple Heart medals were awarded to airmen and soldiers who never received theirs at the time of their injuries. It took place right at the hall of honor in the Town of Newburgh.