Presidents Day or Washington's Birthday?

What are we celebrating today?

Both February 12 and February 22 were once observed as federal public holidays to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and George Washington (February 22).

In 1971 the holidays were combined for the third Monday of February -- to honor all past U.S. presidents.

Virginia, however, continues to recognize the third Monday in February as George Washington Day, due to his residence in the Commonwealth.

Folklore

Though Washington's birthday has long been celebrated on February 22, he was actually born on February 11, 1731.  "During Washington's lifetime, people in Great Britain and America switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar," reports The Old Farmer's Almanac.  That made the difference.

What about that cherry tree?  "Parson Mason Weems (1759–1825), one of Washington’s biographers, made up the story to demonstrate Washington’s honesty," says the Almanac.

Hometown Hero

In honor of our hometown hero, you can participate in several family-friend birthday celebrations.

• George Washington Birthday Parade  Begins at the corner of South Fairfax and Gibbon streets, Alexandria; Monday, Feb. 20 at 1 p.m.  FREE  
• FREE Admission to Mount Vernon on Monday, Feb. 20 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Visit the Newseum in D.C. for the new exhibit "Every Four Years: Presidential Campaigns and the Press."
• The Library of Congress opens its magnificent Main Reading Room for a special public open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Washington's Birthday, and photography even is allowed. FREE
• View portraits of the Presidents in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery.  It's the nation’s only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House. The museum is open daily 11:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.  (Closed December 25). FREE