Today is the third Monday in February or otherwise known as President’s Day. It was officially declared a Federal Holiday in 1971 as an amalgamation of Washington and Lincoln’s birthday the 12th and 22nd respectively.

Interestingly, it is not a holiday that is universally celebrated or recognized. Sources I checked said that twenty-four states recognize Presidents Day as a state holiday as well. Oregon is one of the twenty-four. There are nine states that do not recognize Presidents Day or any other individual President, like Washington’s birthday. Another interesting fact is that Alabama recognizes Washington and Jefferson’s birthday but not Lincoln’s.

I can remember as a child getting Washington’s birthday as a holiday. I think in the 1980s Oregon aligned with President’s Day over individual birthday holidays. In my adult life, I have always worked in the private sector and never had this day as a holiday. Ironically, my Canadian co-workers got this day off as ‘Family Day’ in Canada. Since I was home for the first time ever, we spent the time doing family activities. Back to regular posting tomorrow.