Is Presidents’ Day In The US A Public Holiday?
Presidents’ Day in the US is a federal holiday in most states, according to Holidays 2021. Although the people honoured differ from state to state, however, the Day is celebrated in almost all of them. Most corporate businesses and schools remain closed throughout the country. Despite that, some corporations remain open with promotions or sales. Whereas, universities and colleges close according to the need of the classes. Public transportations also do not follow their usual route on this Day.
What States Recognize Presidents’ Day In The United States?
Various states honour different Presidents and even other prominent personalities on Presidents’ Day in the US. Let us take a look at how each area celebrates the Day:
Presidents’ Day
The following states honour all presidents of the United States on the third Monday of February:
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
- Hawaii
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Vermont
- Washington
President’s Day/Washington’s Birthday
The following states honour the first president George Washington on Presidents’ Day in the US:
- Connecticut
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Virginia
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Massachusetts
- Louisiana
- New York
- Maine
Washington-Lincoln Day
The following states honour both President Washington and President Abraham Lincoln on Presidents’ Day in the US:
- Arizona
- Ohio
- Montana (as Lincoln’s and Washington’s Birthday)
- Minnesota (as Lincoln’s and Washington’s Birthday)
- Utah (as Washington and Lincoln Day)
George Washington/Thomas Jefferson Birthday
Alabama celebrates the Day in honour of President Washington and President Thomas Jefferson.
George Washington’s Birthday and Daisy Gatson Bates Day
Arkansas honoured President Washington on this Day, along with Daisy Gatson Bates, an American civil rights activist who worked towards the removal of segregation from schools in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Presidents’ Day In The US: Traditions
The celebrations of Presidents’ Day in the US are about remembering and honouring the Presidents of the United States. The commemoration has several traditions associated with it. These include:
Eating Cherry Pie
The most prevalent story related to the life of George Washington is that of the cherry tree. As a child, he once received a hatchet and damaged his father’s cherry tree with it. When asked, he decided not to lie. He told his father the truth which not only brought joy to the elder Washington but also paved the path of future for the young soon-to-be President. As a result, Washington’s birthday is celebrated with the eating of Cherry Pie, in a way, paying homage to this story.
Purple Heart Medal
This Day is also about honouring the wounded or the fallen of the United States Armed Forces through the oldest award of the US military – the Purple Heart Medal. This badge, inscribed with an image of President Washington honours the brave souls of the army, on Presidents’ Day in the US.
Tributes & Parades
Most places, especially the birthplaces of the presidents, hold lengthy tributes which often end with parades on the Presidents’ Day in the US.
George Washington’s Farewell Address
The US Senate holds a reading of the farewell address of President Washington since 1862, on Presidents’ Day in the United States.
Presidents’ Day Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Mon | 18 February | Presidents’ Day | Federal Holiday / State Holiday |
| 2020 | Mon | 17 February | Presidents’ Day | Federal Holiday / State Holiday |
| 2021 | Mon | 15 February | Presidents’ Day | Federal Holiday / State Holiday |
| 2022 | Mon | 21 February | Presidents’ Day | Federal Holiday / State Holiday |
| 2023 | Mon | 20 February | Presidents’ Day | Federal Holiday / State Holiday |
| 2024 | Mon | 19 February | Presidents’ Day | Federal Holiday / State Holiday |
| 2025 | Mon | 17 February | Presidents’ Day | Federal Holiday / State Holiday |
FAQs
1. Which states do not recognize Presidents Day?
No holiday is observed in Florida, North Carolina or Louisiana.
2. Is Presidents Day a bank holiday?
Bank of the Federal Reserve will be closed for the entire day. Banks in the U.S. usually observe the Federal Reserve Bank holiday schedule.
3. What closed on Presidents Day 2021?
The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and bond markets are closed on President’s Day and will reopen on the next day.
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