The congress in session in 1968 gave us this uninspired Presidents Day as a single three-day national holiday. It was a combination Lincoln's/Washington's Birthday. Now it is a generic holiday focusing on all the men who have been in office. Forgotten are two really great Presidents who have birthdays in February. Abraham Lincoln's birthday is still on my calendar. This year February 12 whisked silently by as we focused on hearts and flowers on Valentine's. Some long ago "saint" gets more attention than honest Abe.
Tomorrow is George Washington's birthday. What this man did in sacrificial service to help us gain freedom is amazing. He was a warrior. Not the greatest, but he was a leader. He was not a politician, but a statesman. He reluctantly allowed himself to be chosen. He may or may not have chopped down the cherry tree, but you can be assured he didn't lie about it as he gave a "v" sign to his father.
We remembered these birthdays in my early school days. The day was not a holiday for President's Day sales, but it was a fun day at school. Honest Abe was planted in our hearts and lives as a dedicated servant who died in service of his country in the most critical time we had faced since the American Revolution. George Washington was remembered as "the father of our country". How special it was to learn about these two imperfect heroes.
So be it. Let's all give a cheer for Millard Fillmore, Tricky Dick, and Slick Willie. Next we could have an "Almost Presidents Day" and honor those great men who didn't get elected. That is a motley crew for sure.
