President's Day is often overlooked or reduced to another day off. History sometimes becomes redundant stories and facts we memorized in schools, but we forget that our nation wouldn’t be what it is without our founding fathers. Let this brief history stir curiosity and gratitude for our great nation. Maybe it will  motivate you to stop and celebrate our freedom. 

President George Washington

In the United States, the third Monday in February is the day we commemorate two of our most historic presidents. Originally the celebration focused only on the first president of the United States, George Washington who was born February 22, 1732. . He is known as a hero of the American Revolution. President Washington is to be saluted as a valiant American soldier who led Patriot forces to victory and independence. As a Founding Father of our nation he contributed largely to the foundation of our three branches of government. 

President Abraham Lincoln

 Almost one-hundred years later  congress passed a law that would include our sixteenth president, Abraham Lincoln, born February 12, 1809. President Lincoln was also a proactive president who signed the first of the Homestead Acts. These would give an opportunity to the poor to obtain land and prosper in our great nation. President Lincoln is most famous for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation which declared that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free."  

Two brave leaders who served their country well.

On Presidents Day we commemorate these men who were strong leaders that paved a solid road for future American leaders to establish liberties and privileges we can enjoy in our country. 

It is a day off work for many Americans. In some cities around the states Americans celebrate with parades and festivals. Of course in this multicultural land of the free we love to celebrate with a wide variety of foods. 

I encourage you to celebrate! In my opinion it’s a good time to pull out the salsa and chips, gather around the table with friends and thank God for America.