Presidents Day

2025 - 2 - 18

From Honoring Heroes to Shopping Spree: The Hilarious Evolution of Presidents Day!

George Washington - History of Holidays - Presidents Day - Protests - Retail Sales

Ever wonder how Presidents Day went from revering George Washington to shopping madness? Join us on this wild ride through history!

Presidents Day, celebrated on the third Monday of February, has transformed remarkably from a solemn day of recognition for George Washington to one of America’s biggest retail extravaganzas. Originally dedicated to honoring the first president, it now often feels more like the day when people celebrate sales rather than the statesmanship of great leaders. Washington himself was not keen on public celebrations, yet here we are, more interested in snagging the best bargains than contemplating the fabric of our democracy!

If you’re looking to enjoy the day off, you’re not alone! Federal offices, courts, and even libraries are typically closed, giving Americans a great excuse for a little holiday shopping. While Washington’s Birthday was the original name of this holiday, retailers across the nation have reassigned the meaning altogether. From car sales to appliance discounts, the spirit of the day has evolved into a fun shopping spree, leading some to jokingly suggest we might as well rename it "Discount Day"!

However, the switch from reverence to retail is not the only thing that sets this day apart. Protests have also started to emerge on Presidents Day, with citizens taking to the streets to voice opposition against various administrations. Nationwide gatherings have popped up, displaying signs that show stark opposition to figures like President Trump or business tycoon Elon Musk, turning this federal holiday into a platform for political discourse and activism. Who knew that while people were out hunting for the best appliances, others were hunting for justice?

As we embrace this quirky dual nature of Presidents Day, it’s worth noting that some regions might be taking it to another level. Protests in support of different causes are rising, with crowds gathering at key locations to express their dissent. It’s a mix of celebration and controversy, proving that this day can be about more than just car sales and mattress deals. So, while you’re out enjoying the long weekend, remember that the true spirit of the day could still involve stirring the pot!

Interesting Fact 1: The day was originally established to honor George Washington’s birthday, which is actually on February 22, but it was moved to the third Monday in February to create a long weekend.

Interesting Fact 2: The concept of using Presidents Day as a day for sales and promotional events became popular in the 1980s. Since then, it has turned into one of the most significant shopping days of the year, often rivaling Black Friday!

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Image courtesy of "PBS NewsHour"

How Presidents Day turned from reverence to retail (PBS NewsHour)

(AP) — Like the other Founding Fathers, George Washington was uneasy about the idea of publicly celebrating his life. He was the first leader of a new republic, ...

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Image courtesy of "CNNMoney"

What's open and closed on Presidents Day (CNNMoney)

Many Americans enjoy a day off on the third Monday of February every year. That's because it's Presidents Day, officially named Washington's Birthday in ...

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Image courtesy of "Statesman Journal"

What's open and closed in Oregon on Presidents Day? See the list (Statesman Journal)

Presidents Day is Monday and many Oregon offices and businesses will be closed in observance of the federal holiday. Here's what's open and closed.

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Image courtesy of "Axios"

Presidents Day: How Washington's birthday became a business ... (Axios)

The big picture: The way the holiday is celebrated has evolved throughout U.S. history, from a day of reverence for George Washington to a retail bonanza. The ...

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Image courtesy of "NBC New York"

What is open and closed on Presidents Day 2025? (NBC New York)

Today is Presidents Day, a federal holiday, when the nation pauses to celebrate the legacy of two historic presidents, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington ...

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Image courtesy of "KGW.com"

Here's what's open and what's closed on Presidents Day (KGW.com)

Presidents Day is a federal holiday, so courts, government offices, and most public libraries will be closed.

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Image courtesy of "Spectrum News NY1"

Protesters nationwide turn out for anti-Trump 'Not My Presidents Day' (Spectrum News NY1)

The longstanding federal holiday to celebrate President George Washington's birthday turned into a day of protests Monday. In dozens of cities around the ...

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Image courtesy of "NBC Chicago"

Is the stock market or the IRS closed on Presidents Day? What to know (NBC Chicago)

Both the IRS and the stock market are closed on the federal holiday of Presidents Day, which falls on Monday, Feb. 17.

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Image courtesy of "CBS News"

What's open and closed on Presidents Day 2025? Here's which ... (CBS News)

Whatever your plans for the federal holiday, here's what to know about whether the stock market, post office mail, banks and retailers are open on ...

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Image courtesy of "NBC Bay Area"

Presidents Day protests against Trump, Musk across the Bay Area (NBC Bay Area)

Protesters were gathering Monday at Tesla dealerships across the Bay Area in response to Elon Musk's cost cutting with the Trump administration.

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Image courtesy of "Alaska Public Media News"

Alaskans protest Trump administration as part of nationwide ... (Alaska Public Media News)

Hundreds of Alaskans joined protests in communities across the state Monday as part of a nationwide Presidents Day demonstration opposing President Donald ...

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Image courtesy of "ABC7 Bay Area"

'No Kings, No Nazis': Thousands in Bay Area protest Trump, Musk ... (ABC7 Bay Area)

Thousands of demonstrators in the Bay Area marked President's Day by joining a national day of action to protest President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

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Image courtesy of "FOX 5 NY"

What's open and closed on Presidents' Day 2025? (FOX 5 NY)

As the nation celebrates President's Day on Monday, it'll mark the last federal holiday until May. While most businesses will be open, others are closed to ...

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Fourth Wall: For this Presidents' Day, a mediocre President (Daily Northwestern)

One forgets that Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, “DOGE,” once had a co-chair. Vivek Ramaswamy, the bombastic Harvard-educated entrepreneur, ...

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Image courtesy of "Houston Public Media"

Hundreds gather at Houston City Hall for Presidents Day protest (Houston Public Media)

Demonstrators in Houston were part of a nationwide protest against the administration of President Donald Trump, who has issued executive orders aimed at ...

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

Thousands of people protest in Washington, D.C., and across the ... (NPR)

On Presidents Day, demonstrators across the U.S. descended upon state capitol buildings and other locations to protest actions by President Donald Trump and ...

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Image courtesy of "pressherald.com"

Mainewhile: Getting back to the roots of the Presidents Day holiday (pressherald.com)

The holiday began in the 1880s to commemorate Washington's birthday. Fun fact; Washington has two different recorded birthdates. Wild. It is recorded both as ...

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Image courtesy of "KESQ"

Community gathers for annual Indio President's Day Parade (KESQ)

People gathered Monday morning in Indio for the annual Presidents' Day parade. Cheerleaders — marching bands — police -- and firefighters along with a ...

Presidents Day and the 'Father of America' (Marshalltown Times Republican)

On Presidents Day, we celebrate the Father of America and his indelible mark on history. Our nation's first president was born near Popes Creek, Virginia.

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Image courtesy of "Santa Barbara Independent"

Presidents' Day Protests Pop Up on South Coast (Santa Barbara Independent)

Around 200 Santa Barbara residents observed Presidents Day by gathering in front of downtown Santa Barbara's County Administrative Building — and City Hall ...

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Image courtesy of "KPBS"

Hundreds gather to protest in San Diego on Presidents Day (KPBS)

Hundreds of people were at the San Diego County Administration building on Monday to protest President Donald Trump and his administration.

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Image courtesy of "Business Mirror"

U.S. Presidents Day: A reflection on leadership and legacy | Troi ... (Business Mirror)

February, 2025 - Located in the heart of Wall Street in New York City, Federal Hall stands as a monument to the birth of the American presidency.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Stephen Colbert on Presidents Day: 'To those who celebrate – why?' (The Guardian)

The Late Show host discusses Trump's renaming of the Gulf of Mexico and his tyranny-tinged social media posts.

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Image courtesy of "desmoinesregister.com"

What's closed on Presidents Day? A list of what's open on the holiday (desmoinesregister.com)

While most restaurants, grocery stores, and retail stores will remain open on Presidents Day, that will not be the case for banks and post offices.

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