President’s Day?

Ok, so, we have a “President’s Day” holiday, which supposedly serves to consolidate the birthdays of two of our greatest presidents – to wit: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Now, let’s do a quick review of the accomplishments of these two remarkable men:

a. George Washington – a.k.a. “The Father of our Country” – responsible, at the highest degree possible, for the birth and subsequent survival of our nation. An honest, hard-working man, who at a time when opposing the King of England meant sure ostracizing, did so anyway – and he led a good number of his fellow patriots along the same narrow path.

b. Abraham Lincoln – The man who kept our country united – essentially, giving our nation a “re-birth” if you will. Signed the emancipation proclamation, which signaled the beginning of the end of slavery in the U.S. (at least on paper and in the government’s eyes). An honest, hard-working man, who at a time when standing up for freedom meant sure ostracizing, did so anyway – and he became a casualty because of it.

Now, we do NOT have a separate and distinct day of recognition and celebration for each of these men. Instead, we have a “President’s Day” – replete with 3 and 4-day weekend getaways, and sales of all kinds. Such a wonderful way to show how much we as a nation DO NOT revere anyone anymore – except that, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gets his own day on the 3rd Monday in January (he was born on January 15th). Now, I will not presume to downplay the importance that Dr. King played in U.S. history, but I do wonder whether or not he is more deserving of his own day vs. Presidents Washington and Lincoln.

George Washington’s birthday is February 22nd. Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is February 12th. I don’t celebrate “President’s Day.” I celebrate February 12th and 22th individually, and respectfully. I may not be able to take those days off from work, but I will certainly show reverence for these two great INDIVIDUALS, both of whom without, there would NOT have been an opportunity for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to accomplish any of the remarkable things he did.

I am going to lead the fight to eliminate President’s Day. If Monday holidays are what this nation is addicted to, then so be it. I propose that the Monday closest to each of these men’s birthday, be celebrated INDIVIDUALLY for EACH man.

If you are with me, please let me know. If you aren’t, please let me know, and why.

Thanks for reading!

Ed Martinez – Regular Guy